E-mail announcements to the Gazette, gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with questions.
Ongoing
Tickets for Mount Vernon’s Wine Festival & Sunset Tour will go on sale April 15 via www.ticketmaster.com, 703-573-SEAT or Mount Vernon’s Orientation Center. $30/person. Sample a variety of wines while listening from a variety of historic interpreters. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Bike Ride. Every Sunday at 2 p.m. at Cameron Run Regional Park Parking lot, 4100 Eisenhower Ave. Come ride on the Holmes Run Greenway. Anyone can ride, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Ride either 5.6 miles or 6.9 miles. Visit http://bike.meetup.com/288 or call Susan Schneider, BikeWalk Alexandria, at 202-403-1148.
In April, in fun and informative "seminars" local residents can learn how to find treasures along Richmond Highway. There will be guided "field trips" to find great treasures in thrift shops and antique shops. WIth the help of an expert, the treasure hunters will explore the wonderful local sources for antique, vintage, collectible and gently used great finds. Sign up for one session or a series. 703-819-4512 for more information.
The Alexandria Library invites the community to read “Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog,” by John Grogan this spring as part of the inaugural All Alexandria Reads program. From April through June, all residents of Alexandria are encouraged to check out “Marley & Me,” and get involved in discussion groups, special events, and activities that focus on animal-based themes from the book. Extra copies of the book are available at every library in Alexandria—check out your copy today and be a part of this exciting program. As part of this year’s All Alexandria Reads activities, the Alexandria Library has planned a number of other spring programs featuring information on dog health, obedience, and even massage. For a complete listing of events, visit a branch of the Alexandria Library or visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us
Visit George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill through Oct. 31 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See how whiskey got started. $4/adult; $2/child. Get discounts with admission to Mount Vernon Estate. Visit www.mountvernon.org for more.
Take a seasonal walking tour from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. This 30-minute tour explores a variety of contributions. Free. Visit www.mountvernon.org for more.
On Sundays take a Potomac River Sightseeing Cruise at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. $9/adult; $5/child in addition to Mount Vernon Estate admission. Visit www.mountvernon.org for schedules.
Green Spring Garden has a market on Saturdays, April 5,12, 19, 26 and May 3,10 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Browse through shrubs, grasses and more. 703-642-5173.
Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road, is holding a children’s gardening program every Monday from 2-4 p.m. from April 7 through May 19. Children between 8-12 years old can get garden lessons, do hands-on activities, and grow your own garden with help from Green Spring staff and Master Gardeners. $70/student. Call 703-642-5173 to register.
Friday/April 4
Music for Brass Quintet. 8 p.m. at Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Free. Hear music by the United States Air Force Band Chamber Players. Visit www.usafband.af.mil or 202-767-5658.
Lunch Bunch. Noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Bring lunch and join for stories. For children birth-5 years with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
Music Performance. Hear music by Scottish singer Emily Smith at 8 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. $18/advance, $20/door with children under 14 half price with adult. Visit www.sunspotpro.com or 800-404-9049.
Saturday/April 5
Music Performance. 8 p.m. at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra will perform with the Metropolitan Chorus and Heritage Signature Chorale. 420$80/person. Visit www.alexsym.org or 703-548-0885.
Sewing Bee. Make colorful, lightweight cotton Recovery Covers for breast cancer surgery patients from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Del Ray Artisans Gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2407 Mount Vernon Ave. Sewing machines will be on hand, but if you want to bring another and scissors, thread (all colors) and straight pins, please do. A simple pattern is available. If you have questions, please call Jane DeWeerd 703-548-2612 or Theresa Kulstad 703-283-0399.
The Big Sale. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at 7770-G Richmond Highway. Browse through a variety of items with proceeds benefiting Habitat for Humanity. Free.
Opening Reception. 2-6 p.m. Ruth Baja Willams and Jane Andrle Gillette exhibit “Seasons of Friendship, Poems and Paintings” April 1 through April 30 at Cameron Perks Coffeehouse, 4911 Brenman Park. Free. Artist Jane Gillett created the artwork to hang next to poems by Ruth Williams. Free. 703-765-1748 or jandrle@speakeasy.net.
Watershed Cleanup. 9 a.m.-noon at Four Mile Run Park at the Mount Vernon Crossing. The City of Alexandria is seeking volunteers. Visit www.potomaccleanup.org or 703-519-3400 ext. 166.
Garden Sprouts: Tree-mendous Trees. 10-11 a.m. at Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road. Children age 3-5 years with accompanying adults can take a woodland hike to discover trees, play a Tree Bingo game, and make a tree from recycled materials. $5. Call 703-642-5173 to register
Sunday/April 6
Music Performance. 3 p.m. at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra will perform with the Metropolitan Chorus and Heritage Signature Chorale. 420$80/person with $5/youth. Visit www.alexsym.org or 703-548-0885.
Day in the Life. From noon-4 p.m., visitors to The Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., will be able to meet Major General Edward Braddock, who made Carlyle House his headquarters in 1755. See re-enactors representing various people from that time. 703-549-2997.
Benefit Auction. Doorways for Women and Families is holding “Keys to the Future” from 2-5 p.m. at Westin Arlington Gateway Hotel, 801 N. Glebe Road. There will be a variety of items for auction, including tvs and more. $100/person. Visit www.doorways.ejoinme.org for more. Teatime Accessories Tea Program. 1-3 p.m. at Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road. Navigate the world of tea ware - past and present – and browse tea collectibles and niceties for the sophisticated tea drinker. $25. Call 703-941-7987 to register.
Monday/April 7
Tavern Toddlers. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern, 134 N. Royal St. Learn about what life was like 200 years ago, how to be a traveler and take part in activities. $10/week for three or $35/five-week pass for up to three people. 703-838-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
Tuesday/April 8
About Architecture. 7 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. A lecture about the works in Hollin Hills and more by Gregory Hunt. Free. Visit www.aianova.org/archweek_main.php.
Friends Annual Meeting. 7:30 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. “Franconia History Comes Alive.” Free. 703-971-0010.
What’s New in Picture Books. 7:30 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Learn about books to use with preschoolers. Free. 703-971-0010.
Tuesday Evening Book Group. 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. “Year of Wonder: A Novel of the Plague” by Geraldine Brooks. Free. 703-768-6700.
Wednesday/April 9
Story Time. 10:30 a.m. at Olsson’s Old Town, 106 S. Union St. Children ages 3-5 can enjoy a picture book. Free. 703-684-0077.
Exhibit and Lecture. 6:30-8 p.m. at Virginia Tech’s Alexandria campus, 1001 Prince St. Features projects by local architects and a presentation by Lee Quill. Free. Visit www.aianova.org/archweek_main.php.
Rising Words, Rising Images. 11 a.m. at Sherwood Hall Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Discuss “The Song Shoots Out of My Mouth” by Jaime Adoff and participate in activities. Free. For children ages 9-12. 703-765-3645.
Thursday/April 10
Opening Reception. 6-9 p.m. The Kiln Club at Scope Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., is holding its “Annual Juried Show” from April 7 through May 4. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org or 703-548-6288.
Jazzpoetry. 7 p.m. at Caboose Café, 2419 Mount Vernon Ave. Hear Jonathan Vaile, Cliff Bernier, Shep Williams and more. Free. 703-566-1283.
Reception. 6-9 p.m. Gallery West, 1213 King St., presents “Painted Places Near and Far” by Helen Dilley Barsalou from April 2 through May 4. See images from France, Italy, Portugal and US. Free. 703-549-6006.
Spring Is Here. 10:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Springtime stories for children ages 2-3 with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
Trademark Expo. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at The United States Patent and Trademark Office, 600 Dulany St. Features a variety of exhibitors and guests, including Anson Williams of Happy Days. Free. Visit www.uspto.gov or 571-272-8400.
Opening Reception. 6:30-8 p.m. Amy Lin’s solo artist exhibit “Interaction” will be on display at the Art League Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. See how the intermingling of dots symbolize an interaction of generations. Free. Visit www.theartleague.org or 703-683-1780.
Thursday, April 10
Garden Stroll and Tea. 1-3 p.m. at Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road. Spend a relaxing afternoon strolling through the gardens and taking tea at the Historic House. The guided tours of our demonstration gardens are followed by a full English tea. Individuals and groups are welcome. $25. Call 703-941-7987 to register.
Friday/April 11
Music for Brass Quintet. 8 p.m. at Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Hear music by the United States Air Force Band. Free. Visit www.usafband.af.mil or 202-767-5658.
16th Annual Poetry Marathon. 2-4 p.m. at Library of Congress, Independence Avenue and 1st Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. Hosted by Teatro de la Luna. Hear from many different poets including Marcelo Pellegrini. Free but donations accepted. Visit www.teatrodelaluna.org or 703-548-3092.
Café Cattail. 7 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Share nature inspired poetry, music or dance. All ages. Free, refreshments served. 703-768-2525.
Basic Gardening Series: Composing Containers. 1:30-2:30 p.m. at Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road. Containers are all the rage. Master Gardeners show how to combine tender perennials and annuals to make a splash on your front porch or patio. $11. Call 703-642-5173 to register.
Lunch Bunch. Noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Bring lunch and join for stories. For children birth-5 years with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
Clowns and Circuses. 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Stories, activities and a craft for children ages 2-5. Free. 703-768-6700.
Trademark Expo. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at The United States Patent and Trademark Office, 600 Dulany St. Features a variety of exhibitors and guests, including Anson Williams of Happy Days. Free. Visit www.uspto.gov or 571-272-8400.
Saturday/April 12
Book Signing. 10 a.m.-noon at Alexandria Library, 717 Queen St. Meet the authors of “Historic Photos of Alexandria” by Julie Ballin Patton and Rita Holtz. Free.
Auction. St. Rita School, 3801 Russell Road, will hold auctions at 6:30 p.m. in the Atrium of the National Science Foundation. Tickets are $35/person; $60/couple with discounts for seniors. Call 703-548-1888 for tickets.
Architecture Bike Ride. 10 a.m., participants in this self-guided tour can pick up points of interest at the Roosevelt Island Parking lot or Founders Park next to the Torpedo Factory. Free. Visit www.aianova.org/archweek_main.php.
16th Annual Poetry Marathon. 2-8 p.m. at Casa de la Luna, 4020 Georgia Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. Hosted by Teatro de la Luna. Hear from many different poets including Marcelo Pellegrini. Free but donations accepted. Visit www.teatrodelaluna.org or 703-548-3092.
Kaydee Puppets. 10:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. “Rumplestiltskin” and “Noddaberry Good Day.” All ages. Free. 703-971-0010.
Music Performance. 5 p.m. at Alfred Street Baptist Church, 301 S. Alfred St. Hear the D.C. Boys Choir. Free. 703-683-2222.
World Space Party. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. at Art Whino, 717 N. Saint Asaph St. Enjoy live music by Miss Saturn, L’il Dutch and more, and three drink vouchers. $20/advance or $25/door. For adults 21 and older. Cash bar available. Visit www.outofthisworldparty.com.
Trademark Expo. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at The United States Patent and Trademark Office, 600 Dulany St. Features a variety of exhibitors and guests, including Anson Williams of Happy Days. Free. Visit www.uspto.gov or 571-272-8400.
Spring Perennials – Design & Combination Planting. 9:30-11 a.m. at Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road. Bring a garden design to life by exploring the world of perennials and beautiful woody plants. $18/session. Call 703-642-5173 to register.
Container Gardening. Virginia Cooperative Extension's Master Gardeners offer guidance on Container Gardening in a workshop from 10-11:30 a.m. at Alexandria’s Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Free. For information, registration and directions call 703-228-6414.
Is Mount Vernon Burning? 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. Watch as the British land at Mount Vernon and a battle ensues. Included in Estate admission. $13/adults; $12/seniors; $6/children. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Sunday/April 13
Opening Reception. 1-4 p.m. The Artists’ Undertaking Gallery, 309 Mill St., in Historic Occoquan, presents “Art on the Edge,” an exhibit of works of art by wood turner, Patrick O’Brien of Alexandria. 703-494-0584 or at www.theartistsundertaking.com.
Music Performance. 7 p.m. at Church of the Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard St. Focus Inn Alexandria presents Michael Smith with Chuck Hall. $15/person, $12/member. Visit www.focusmusic.org or 703-380-3151.
Music Performance. 4 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2701 Cameron Mills Road. Hear music by the Alexandria Choral Society Children’s Chorus and American Youth Philharmonic. $15/adult; $10/senior and free for children under 18. Visit www.AlexChoralSociety.org
Walking Tour. 1-3 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Walking tour covers the history of Alexandria through its architecture. Free but registration requested, reservations@aianova.org.
Music Performance. The NOVA Community Chorus and the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic will perform “The Sea Symphony” at 5 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St. $15/advance; $20/door; 18 and under free. E-mail mwhitmire@nvcc.edu or 703-845-6097.
Reception. 4-7 p.m. Gallery West, 1213 King St., presents “Painted Places Near and Far” by Helen Dilley Barsalou from April 2 through May 4. See images from France, Italy, Portugal and US. Free. 703-549-6006.
Heirloom Family Photographs Tea Program. 1-3 p.m. at Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road. Linda Ayers of Creative Memories shows examples of how to create a photo album using old photos. $25. Call 703-941-7987 to register.
Is Mount Vernon Burning? 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. Watch as the British land at Mount Vernon and a battle ensues. Included in Estate admission. $13/adults; $12/seniors; $6/children. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Monday/April 14
Rainbow Readers. 10:30 a.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Colorful stories, songs and fun for children ages 24-35 months with adult. Free. 703-339-4610.
Monday Morning Book Discussion. 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. “The World is Flat” by Thomas Friedman. Adults. Free. 703-768-6700.
Small Wonders. 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Hall Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Stories and fingerplays for children ages 12-23 with adult. Free. 703-765-3645.
Books & Ideas. 7:30 p.m. at Sherwood Hall Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Discuss “Team of Rivals” by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Free. Adults. 703-765-3645.
Tuesday/April 15
Mother-Daughter Book Group. 7 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Join for a lively book discussion. Children ages 9-11. Free. 703-971-0010.
It’s Raining Cats and Dogs. 10:30 a.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Furry stories and activities for children ages 13-23 months. Free. 703-339-4610.
Wednesday/April 16
Lecture. 7:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern, 134 N. Royal St. Hear Dr. Peter Henriques talk on “I Can’t Tell A Lie: Myths about George Washington that Should be Discarded.” $12/person and $10/member. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838-4242.
Story Time. 10:30 a.m. at Olsson’s Old Town, 106 S. Union St. Children ages 3-5 can enjoy a picture book. Free. 703-684-0077.
Spring Affair. Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St. 5-8 p.m. browse through Alexandria designer Melissa Emerick’s jewelry. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Lee-Fendall House. 703-548-1789.
Story Time. 10:30 a.m. at Olsson’s Old Town, 106 S. Union St. Children ages 3-5 can enjoy a picture book. Free. 703-684-0077.
Small Wonders. 10:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Stories, fingerplays and activities for children ages 13-23 months with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
Book Discussion. 7:15 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Ask for title. Adults. Free. 703-971-0010.
Natural Wonders. 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. “What do we see in spring?” Stories, activities and a craft for children ages 3-5. Free. 703-768-6700.
Ebay. 7 p.m. at Sherwood Hall Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Learn how to buy and sell on eBay. Adults. Free. 703-765-3645.
Thursday/April 17
Just Twos. 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Stories and activities for children ages 24-35 months. Free. 703-768-6700.
Poetry Group. 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Discuss poems by James Merrill. Free. Adults. 703-768-6700.
Spring Plant Sale. The American Horticultural Society will hold a sale for members only from 4-8 p.m. at River Farm, 7931 E. Boulevard Drive. Features more than 50 designs and 300 pieces grown by members. Free, but a cost for parking. Visit www.ahs.org or 703-768-5700 ext. 114.
Garden Sprouts: Amazing Ants. 9:30-10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m.-noon at Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road. Children 3-5 years with accompanying adults can make an antennae, shrink to the size of an ant, and find a way through the tall grass to a picnic basket. $5. Call 703-642-5173 to register.
Friday/April 18
Lunch Bunch. Noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Bring lunch and join for stories. For children birth-5 years with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
Spring Plant Sale. The American Horticultural Society will hold a sale from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at River Farm, 7931 E. Boulevard Drive. Features more than 50 designs and 300 pieces grown by members. Free, but a cost for parking. Visit www.ahs.org or 703-768-5700 ext. 114.
Extreme Gardening. 1:30-3 p.m. at Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road. Brenda Skarphol, Green Spring horticulturalist discusses ways to combat adverse conditions including plant selection and gardening techniques. $15. Call 703-642-5173 to register.
Saturday/April 19
Pancake Breakfast. 7-10 a.m. at United Methodist Church, 100 E. Windsor Ave. Enjoy an all you can eat breakfast. $5/adult; $3/child. E-mail office@delrayumc.org or 703-549-2088.
Book Signing. 1 p.m. at Waldenbooks, 5801 Duke St. Meet Julie Patton and Rita Holtz as they sign copies of “The Historic Photos of Alexandria.” Free. 703-658-9576.
Youth Day1-4 p.m. at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home parking lot, 1500 W. Braddock Road. Enjoy clowns, face painting, food, visits from the Fire and Police Departments, raffles and more. Proceeds benefit Center for Alexandria and Coats for Kids.
Soldier-Led Tour. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Road. Learn about the history of the fort. Free. Visit www.fortward.org or 703-838-4848.
The Great Zucchini. 11 a.m. at the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St. Tickets are available and proceeds will benefit the Soft Playroom at Chinquapin Park. E-mail softplayroom@gmail.com or www.supportthesoftplayroom.com.
Book Discussion. 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Hall Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Discuss “The N Word” by Jabari Asim. Author reading, discussion and signing. Free. Adults. 703-765-3645.
Herb and Wildflower Sale. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Carlyle House Historic Park. There will be a clinic, live music, food, games and activities for children and more. $4/person. Visit www.nvrpa.org for more
Garden Tour. Take a tour of six private homes in Old Town filled with flowers, quiet corners and reflecting pools. Tickets can be purchased at the Ramsay House, 421 King St., 703-838-5005, or one of the houses on tour. $35/adult; $20/child in advance or $40/adult on the day of. Visit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com for more.
Spring Plant Sale. The American Horticultural Society will hold a sale from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at River Farm, 7931 E. Boulevard Drive. Features more than 50 designs and 300 pieces grown by members. Free, but a cost for parking. Visit www.ahs.org or 703-768-5700 ext. 114.
Cheerleading Competition. 11 a.m. at TC Williams, 3330 King St. Features squads from Charles Barrett, Charles Houston and more. There will be an alumni reception, performances and more. Advance tickets are $5/adults; $2/children age 6-12. Limited tickets will be available at the door $10/adult; $4/child 6-12. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation or 703-838-4345.
Drawn Into the Garden. 9:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road. Explore various artistic drawing media with artist Judy Murrett on a sketching excursion into the gardens at Green Spring. Open to artists of all abilities. Learn by drawing with pencil, ink pen, and oil pastel. Bring a bag lunch. A supply list plus notes on the subject sent to all who register. $65. Call 703-642-5173 to register.
Garden Sprouts: Amazing Ants. 10- 11 a.m. at Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road. Children 3-5 years with accompanying adults can make an antennae, shrink to the size of an ant, and find a way through the tall grass to a picnic basket. $5. Call 703-642-5173 to register.
Sunday/April 20
Music Performance. Hear music for the bamboo flute at 3 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Free. 301-754-3842.