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.
Other Items
Studio Gold Dance will hold Youth Company auditions for intermediate and advanced youth dancers, ages 16 and under. Dancers are welcome to bring a prepared piece of choreography to demonstrate on Monday, Aug. 23 or Aug. 30 between 3 and 4:15 p.m. The required group class audition will be on Sept. 22 at 3:15 p.m. Auditions and rehearsals will take place at Gold’s Gym, 7770 Richmond Highway. For further information, contact the Artistic Director, Dawn Meadows, at www.studiogolddance.com, or 703-627-4570.
Aldersgate Church Community Theater (ACCT) is holding auditions for “Dearly Departed,” on Sunday, Aug. 24 and Monday, Aug. 25 from 7–9 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1301 Collingwood Road. Questions should be directed to 703-660-2611 – please leave a message. Additional information at www.acctonline.org.
Ongoing
Tickets for Mount Vernon’s Fall Wine Festival & Sunset Tour will go on sale Sept. 1. Tickets are $30/person. Festival is Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 3,4 & 5 from 6-9 p.m. Visit www.mountvernon.org for tickets.
Every Monday and Friday through August from 10 a.m. –11 a.m. or 11 a.m. –noon Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria will be having Harry Potter’s Plants and Potions for 6- 12 year olds. The program teaches children how to craft a wizard’s wand and make potions. $6 for Students. Call 703-642-5173 to register. For more information visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gspg
Every Monday and Friday through Aug 11-15 and 18-22 Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria will be having Butterfly Lab to teach children ages 6-12 to raise their own butterflies. $ 135 for students, includes supplies and light snacks. Call 703-642-5173 to register. For more information visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gspg
On Mondays, Sept. 8 through Dec. 1 from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., the Green Spring Gardens located at 4603 Green Spring Road, will be having Yoga for Gardeners for adults. The program will offer a series of classes featuring the Vinyasa method to increase your flexibility, strength, and endurance for gardening. $ 66/ six-class sessions. For more information and to register call 703-642-5173.
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.
Every Tuesday and Thursday through October from 5- 8 p.m. at Hotel Monaco Alexandria, enjoy Doggie Happy Hour. Enjoy doggie treats and human treats.
Join City archaeologists and trained volunteers for an exciting program for kids of all ages at Alexandria Archaeology Family Dig Days. Be part of the fascinating archaeological investigation and discover firsthand the hidden clues left behind by the people who lived and worked there hundreds of years ago, by helping screen excavated soil. Monthly Family Dig Days will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, in Alexandria. The 2008 dates are on Saturdays: Sept. 20 and Oct. 18. $5/person and spots fill up fast. Call 703-838-4399 or visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org to reserve a spot.
On Sundays from noon-5 p.m., visit the Waterfront and see history-inspired performances near the Torpedo Factory; do a “meet and greet” of early Alexandria residents and travelers near the Waterfront and lower King Street. Free. Visit www.historicalexandria.org for more.
In celebration of the exhibition “Setting the President’s Table: American Presidential China,” visitors to Mount Vernon will have a chance every day from June 1 to Aug. 31 to win a piece of porcelain featuring the Martha Washington “States” pattern. Drawings occur daily at 3 p.m. in the Shops at Mount Vernon, and the grand prize will be drawn on Aug. 31. No purchase is required, and visitors do not have to be present to win. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-780-2000.
See Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., in a whole new light – lantern light. Tour the 1785 tavern and 1792 City Hotel during the summer season with costumed guides as you experience the tavern as patrons did more than 200 years ago before the advent of electricity. Tours are every Friday night, June through August, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person ages 5 and up. Tours last approximately 30 minutes, with the last tour starting at 9:15 p.m. Call ahead to confirm tour date. For more information, call 703-838-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
On Mondays, Aug. 25, Sept. 29, Oct. 27, and Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. Green Spring Gardens will be having Family Story Time for children of all ages where there will be stories and activities. Free. For more information visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gspg
On Mondays Sept. 8 through Oct. 27 from 2 to 4 p.m., the Green Spring Gardens will be having Let’s Grow kid’s Gardening Program where kids will enjoy sprouting seeds, growing vegetables, planting, flowers, exploring soil and other out door fun. $ 70 /student. For more information and to register call 703-642-5173.
Children enter a world of fantasy and fables when costumed interpreters weave three tales together during Mount Vernon’s outdoor storytelling session, “Once Upon a Time at Mount Vernon”, held every Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. through Sept. 27 at the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site. “Once Upon at Time at Mount Vernon” is included in regular Estate admission: adults, $13.00; youth ages 6-11, $6.00; and children under 5 are admitted free. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Historic Mount Vernon will have special commemorative whiskey sets available for sale beginning Aug. 4! The set includes a shot glass and a 50 mL bottle of whiskey consisting of 11 different whiskey brands blended and aged at Mount Vernon in 2005. The gift sets are $25 and are available for purchase in person with a valid ID at the Shops at Mount Vernon or George Washington’s Distillery. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Thursday /Aug. 21
Garden Sprouts: Pick a Peck of Peppers. 9:30 a.m. –10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m. –noon at Green Springs Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Preschool children (3-5 years) with accompanying adults have fun picking, printing, and playing with colorful peppers and then make salsa. $6 for participants. For more information visit www.faircounty.gov/parks/gsgp
Just Twos. 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Children ages 24-35 months can enjoy stories and more. Free. 703-768-6700.
Poetry Group. 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Discuss “Poems” by A.E. Housman. Free. 703-768-6700.
Discover Art. 2 p.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Children ages 6-12 can play art bingo and more. Free. 703-765-3645.
Book Discussion. 7 p.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Discuss “Death in the Woods” by Sherwood Anderson, part of the collection of “The Egg and Other Stories.” Free. 703-931-3559.
Friday/Aug. 22
Mount Vernon Nights. Listen to a variety of music at 7:30 p.m. on Friday nights at Grist Mill Park, 4710 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. Free. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances for more.
Friday Flicks. Noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Children up to age 5 can bring lunch and enjoy a short movie and stories. Free. 703-971-0010.
Lunch Bunnies. Noon at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Children ages 1-5 can bring lunch and enjoy stories. Free. 703-765-3645.
Music Performance. Rick Whitehead Jazz Trio will perform at 219 Restaurant, 219 King St. at 9 p.m. $5/person. 703-549-1141 for reservations.
Art Exhibit. See works by Yuri Kokoyanin at The von Brahler ltd./Gallery from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. See paintings on wood and canvas, sculpture and more. Free. 703-798-8686.
Beach Party. 6-9 p.m. at Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Enjoy games such as “Guitar Hero,” play in sand and watch dancers while drinking lemonade. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org or 703-838-4565.
Saturday/Aug. 23
Lee District Nights. 7:30 p.m. at Hayfield Elementary School, 7633 Telegraph Road. Hear Daryl Davis perform. Free. 703-324-SHOW (7469).
Terrarium Workshop. 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Green Springs Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Create your own terrarium with Johanna Zinn. Terrarium, plants, and soil provided. $20 for Adults. Visit www.faircounty.gov/parks/gsgp
Annual Begonia Shoe and Sale. 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. at Green Springs Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Attend the Annual Begonia Show and Sale. Free. For more information visit www.faircounty.gov/parks/gsgp
Garden Sprouts: Pick a Peck of Peppers. 10 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Children ages 3-5 can pick a variety of peppers and make salsa. $6/person. 703-642-5173 to register.
Pinewood Derby. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Good News Baptist Church. $5/car. www.goodnewsbaptistchurch.org or 703-619-1121.
Summer Green Craft. 2-5 p.m. at Burke Library, 4701 Seminary Road. Children ages 5-12 can enjoy crafts and stories. Drop-in. Free. 703-519-6000.
Art Exhibit. See works by Yuri Kokoyanin at The von Brahler ltd./Gallery from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. See paintings on wood and canvas, sculpture and more. Free. 703-798-8686.
Once Upon a StoryTime. 11 a.m. at Hooray for Books!, 1555 King St. Children ages 2 and up can bring a tiara and shield and enjoy a journey into fairytale land. Free. Visit www.hooray4books.com or 703-548-4092.
Sunday/Aug. 24
Music Performance. The Covington String Quartet will perform at 3 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Free. Visit www.wmpa.us for more.
Annual Begonia Shoe and Sale. Noon -3:30 p.m. at Green Springs Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Attend the Annual Begonia Show and Sale. Free. For more information visit www.faircounty.gov/parks/gsgp
End of Summer BBQ. 5-7:30 p.m. at Agudas Achim Congregation, 2908 Valley Drive. Free. Includes food, games, music and more. Free. 703-998-6460 to register.
Poker Run Fundraiser. 12:30 p.m. at Old Dominion Boat Club in Alexandria. Boaters can assemble “poker hands” based on the cards they receive. $50/boat. Visit www.leukemiacup.org/nca or 703-960-1100.
Monday/Aug. 25
Mystery Group. 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Discuss “The Perfect Flake” by Barbara Parker. Free. 703-768-6700.
Tuesday/Aug. 26
Book Discussion. 7:30 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Adults discuss “The Jane Austen Book Club” by Karen Joy Fowler. Free. 703-339-4610.
Wednesday/Aug. 27
Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Lee District Park Amphitheater, 6601 Telegraph Road. Hear Sol Y Rumba perform. Free. 703-922-9841.
Peer Review. 7 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Get reviews on your work while reviewing others. Free. 703-339-4610.
Animal, Vegetable, Mineral. 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Children ages 6-12 can enjoy nature stories and activities. Free. 7-3-765-3645.
Thursday/Aug. 28
Time for School. 1 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Children ages 3-5 can enjoy stories and activities about starting school. Free. 703-339-4610.
Old Favorites. 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Children ages 2-5 can enjoy stories, songs and more. Free. 703-768-6700.
Short Story Discussion. 7 p.m. at Burke Library, 4701 Seminary Road. Discuss stories by Borges and Camus. Free. 703-519-3498.
Music Performance. 8 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Free. Hear Christine and David Hagan perform duets on the piano. 703-845-6156.
Friday/Aug. 29
Mount Vernon Nights. Listen to a variety of music at 7:30 p.m. on Friday nights at Grist Mill Park, 4710 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. Free. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances for more.
Saturday/Aug. 30
Lee District Nights. 7:30 p.m. at Hayfield Elementary School, 7633 Telegraph Road. Hear Hawaiian music. Free. 703-324-SHOW (7469).
Closing Ceremony. 4-9 p.m., see work by Pridon Goisashvili at Blueberry Art Gallery, 3112A Mt. Vernon Ave., from Aug. 16 through Aug. 31. Free. 703-894-8854.
Art Exhibit. See works by Yuri Kokoyanin at The von Brahler ltd./Gallery from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. See paintings on wood and canvas, sculpture and more. Free. 703-798-8686.
Sunday/Aug. 31
Music Performance. Soprano Tia Wortham with pianist Caroline Williams will perform with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic at 3 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Free. Visit www.wmpa.us for more.
Closing Ceremony. 4-9 p.m., see work by Pridon Goisashvili at Blueberry Art Gallery, 3112A Mt. Vernon Ave., from Aug. 16 through Aug. 31. Free. 703-894-8854.
Art Exhibit. See works by Yuri Kokoyanin at The von Brahler ltd./Gallery from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. See paintings on wood and canvas, sculpture and more. Free. 703-798-8686.
Monday/Sept. 1
International Festival. 12:30-6 p.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway. Free. Includes music, food, rides, games and more. Visit "www.gs-cc.org or 703-780-4055.
Saturday/ Sept. 6
A Lesson on Gardening. The Green Spring Gardens located at 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria will be holding Propagation Series Part: Seed Saving from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Mary Frogale a propagation horticulturist will be showing participants the gardens and collect seeds to take home. $22/ Adults. For more information and to register call 703-642-5173.
Family Fun. The Green Spring Gardens located at 4603 Green Spring Road, will be having Family Fun: Monarch Magic from 2-3:30 p.m. Children will be given the opportunity to explore the fascinating life cycle of monarch butterflies and make a caterpillar cage to watch the cycle themselves. $10/ project. For more information and to register call 703-642-5173.
Soldier-led Tour. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Fort Ward Park, 4301 W. Braddock Road. See a soldier’s life, weapons and more from the Civil War. Free. www.fortward.org or 703-838-4848.
Sunday/Sept. 7
Music Performance. Violists Tsuna Sakamoto and Eric DeWaardt will perform with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic at 3 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Free. Visit www.wmpa.us for more.
Wednesday/ Sept. 10
Spend the Day exploring Surreybrooke. The Green Springs Garden will be spending the day exploring a historic family farm in Middletown Maryland. The day will include a guided tour through the gardens, lunch, and shopping. $65/ adults,
lunch is included. Call 703-642-5173 for information.
Thursday/ Sept. 11
Take a relaxing stroll through the gardens and tea at The Historic House with The Green Spring Garden’s Garden Stroll and Tea which will be at 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. From 1 to 3 p.m. Individuals and Groups are welcome. $12/ individuals. Form more information and to register call 703-642-5173.
Friday/ Sept. 12.
Learn about Ornamental Grasses with The Green Springs Garden located at 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. The event, Basic Gardening Series: Introduction to Ornamental Grasses, will show gardeners how to select, plant, and maintain the best ornamental grasses available. $12/ adults. For more information and to register call 703-642-5173.
Latin American Harp Festival. 7:30 p.m. at Rosslyn Spectrum, 1611 N. Kent St. Hear harpists from Venezuela, Colombia and Paraguay. $30/adult; $25/student/senior. Visit www.teatrodelaluna.org or 703-548-3092.
Saturday/ Sept. 13
Workshop. Learn to Garden with Perennials and woody plants at Green Spring Gardens located at 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. $ 18/ adults. For more information and to register call 703-642-5173.
Garden Treasure. The Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria will be having Propagation Series Part 2: Saving Your Treasure - Tender Perennials from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. You will learn simple and successful propagation techniques from horticulturist, Nancy Olney. $ 22/ adults. For more information and to register call 703-642-5173.
Yard Sale. The Alexandria Jaycees will hold a yard sale from 7 a.m.-2 p.m. at Anthony T. Lane Elementary School, 7137 Beulah St. Free. Browse a variety of items. Vendors may register online at www.alexjaycees.org/yardsales.htm. For updated rain date information call 703-866-7171.
Gardening Workshop. The Green Spring Gardens located at 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria will be having Workshop: Casting Concrete Leaves from 1 to 3 p.m. with local artist Judy Murrett who will demonstrate the proper steps to making good leaf castings and assists participants in taking one home. $ 50/ adults. For more information and to register call 703-642-5173.
Opening Reception. 1-3 p.m. see “Ah! THAT Jack and Jill! Parents Empowering African-American Children” at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. from Sept. 13 through Nov. 15. Exhibit explores the family organization. Free. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org or 703-838-4356.
Alexandria Festival of the Arts. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. on King Street. Browse through local and national artists, featuring sculptures, earrings, paintings and more. Free. Visit www.artfestival.com.
18th Century Craft Fair. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. See chocolate making, entertainment, music and more. $13/adult; $6/child. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Art Activated. Torpedo Factory artist James Dean will talk about his experience as the founding director of the NASA Art Program at the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.
Latin American Harp Festival. 7:30 p.m. at Rosslyn Spectrum, 1611 N. Kent St. Hear harpists from Venezuela, Colombia and Paraguay. $30/adult; $25/student/senior. Visit www.teatrodelaluna.org or 703-548-3092.
Sunday/ Sept. 14
Garden Help. The Green Spring Gardens located at 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria will be featuring Freeze! (Preserving your fall harvest tea program). Learn methods on how to freeze your garden harvest and which fruits and vegetables you can freeze while enjoying tea. For more information and to register call 703-642-5173.
Alexandria Festival of the Arts. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on King Street. Browse through local and national artists, featuring sculptures, earrings, paintings and more. Free. Visit www.artfestival.com.
18th Century Craft Fair. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. See chocolate making, entertainment, music and more. $13/adult; $6/child. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-780-2000.