<bt>The public is invited to attend an awards ceremony for the Alexandria Recreation Games for Healthy Living on Saturday, March 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lee Center’s Kauffman Auditorium, 1108 Jefferson St. Admission is free, and healthy refreshments will be provided.
Featured guests include Heather Jones, 4-H Coordinator, who will make a presentation on nutrition and healthy food choices, and Brett Smith, Operations Manager, of the Marine Corp Marathon. In addition, there will demonstrations from the T.C. Williams High School ROTC Color Guard, the T.C. Williams High School Twirlers, and the Recreation Center cheerleader teams.
The Alexandria Recreation Games for Healthy Living is an eight-week fitness program that promotes healthy lifestyle choices for all family members, and encourages residents to make “being active” a part of their daily lives. For additional information, call the Chinquapin Park Center at 703.519.2160.
The program is coordinated by the City’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities. For additional information on programs and activities for the entire family, call the Recreation Services’ Division office at 703.838.4345, or visit alexandriava.gov/recreation.
The Alexandria Commission on Aging, which advocates for the needs of Alexandria seniors, is seeking nominations for its Annual Excellence in Aging Awards. These awards honor individuals, regardless of age, who have demonstrated superior contributions in advancing issues and projects that favorably affect older Alexandrians. For more information or to obtain a nomination packet, call Debbie Ludington at the Department of Human Services Office of Aging and Adult Services at 703-838-0927.
The City of Alexandria invites residents to attend a community meeting to discuss the future of a proposed park at Potomac Yard on Monday, March 17 at the Mount Vernon Elementary School auditorium, 2601 Commonwealth Ave. at 7:30 p.m. For more information or to RSVP for the meeting, contact Jeffrey Farner of the Department of Planning and Zoning at 703-838-4666 or jeffrey.farner@alexandriava.gov, or contact Ron Kagawa of the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities at 703-838-5041 or ron.kagawa@alexandriava.gov.
Agenda Alexandria will meet Monday, March 17 at 6:30 p.m. at Holiday Inn Eisenhower Metro Center, 2460 Eisenhower Ave. Topic is “Alexandria's History: Preserve It, Promote It or Pave It.” Dinner ($20 members with reservations/$25 non-members) at 6:45 p.m.; Program (free to members/$5 non-members) 7:15 p.m. Mail checks to PO Box 3598, Alexandria, VA 22302. For information, contact Sherry Brown, agendaalexandria@aol.com or 703-549-4696.
On March 19 there will be a community Job Fair from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at NOVA Ernst Cultural Center, Annandale Campus, 8333 Little River Turnpike. Dozens of employers will be hiring full and part-time workers in temporary and permanent jobs, as well as summer, co-op and internship positions. For more information, go to www.nvcc.edu/careerstart/events/.
The Alexandria Jaycees will honor one member each from the Alexandria Police Department, Fire Department, Public Schools Department, City Hall, and Sheriff's Office with an "Outstanding Public Service Award" on Monday, March 24 at 7:30 p.m. at City Hall. Free.
Christian Women in Action (CWIA) March breakfast meeting will be at 9 a.m. on Saturday, March 29 at the Holiday Inn at 2460 Eisenhower Ave. The speaker will be Rita Waldron, who will speak about “How She Experienced The Victory In Christ Through The Holy Spirit.” For information or reservations, contact Kathleen Murray at 703-451-5737 or Patti Davis at 703-971-3633. Reservations must be made by March 25.
Alexandria and Arlington’s Agencies on Aging have teamed up to provide information sessions on Medicare Parts A, B, and C and drug prescription coverage for individuals who are applying for Medicare for the first time. All information sessions are free, but space is limited. Individuals may pre-register by calling the Arlington Agency on Aging at 703-228-1700 or e-mailing arlaaa@arlingtonva.us. * Alexandria information sessions will be held on Wednesday, March 26, at 6:30 p.m. and Thursday, May 8, at 6:30 p.m., at the Minnie Howard School, 3801 W. Braddock Road.
The City of Alexandria will host its 14th Annual Homeownership Fair from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 5 at George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mt. Vernon Ave. in Alexandria. The Fair will feature lenders, realtors and nonprofit organizations, as well as a range of seminars on the home buying process. Seminars will be offered in Spanish and English. Admission is free.
For additional information, call the Alexandria Office of Housing at 703-838-4622.
There is free income tax preparation on Saturdays from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and Mondays from 2-8 p.m. through April 13 at NOVA’s Alexandria campus, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Bring proof of identification, Social Security Cards, all earning statements (W2, W-2G, 1099), interest/dividend bank statements, and a cancelled check or bank routing numbers for direct deposit of your income tax refund. Although walk-ins are welcome, appointments are encouraged—call 703-845-6222.
The Alexandria chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) meet at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of every month, at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson St. Contact 703-684-6190 or visit www.naacpalexandria.org.
The Alexandria Historical Society is calling for nominations for the 2008 Alexandria History Award, to be presented to a person or persons who have made noteworthy contributions to the preservation of the historic, cultural, and artistic heritage of Alexandria. Nominations should be mailed by March 17 to the Office of Historic Alexandria, 220 North Washington Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. For more information about the 2008 History Award, contact Douglas Thurman, President of the Alexandria Historical Society, at 703-548-7052.
The Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities (ACPD) is seeking applications from non-profit organizations and community groups for the Virginia Rehabilitative Services Incentive Fund (RSIF). The RSIF provides seed money for innovative programs or services, to close gaps in unmet needs, and to increase the quality of life for persons with physical or sensory disabilities. The RSIF process is competitive, and the ACPD can submit only one project proposal for consideration, which is then reviewed and scored by the Virginia Disability Services Council. The maximum award is $15,000, with a 10 percent match required. Proposals are due no later than Tuesday, April 1, and should be e-mailed to mike.hatfield@alexandriava.gov . For a complete RSIF application package or a copy of the ACPD’s most recent Needs Assessment, visit alexandriava.gov/humanrights . For more information, please contact Mike Hatfield, Disability Resources Coordinator, at 703-519-3357 (TTY 711).
SCAN (Stop Child Abuse Now) of Northern Virginia is currently seeking nominations for the 2008 Ally in Prevention Awards. The annual honors, given to individuals from each of Northern Virginia ’s regions, including Alexandria , were created to recognize the unsung heroes who go above and beyond everyday in their efforts to support and protect our community’s children.
Honorees will be selected by a task force from the Allies in Prevention Coalition, which is facilitated by SCAN, and announced at the group’s annual Allies in Prevention Awards Luncheon in April. Ralph Smith from the Annie E. Casey Foundation will serve as keynote speaker for the event, which serves as a kick-off for National Child Abuse Prevention Month in April.
To submit a nomination, please visit SCAN’s Web site at www.scanva.org or contact the SCAN office at 703-820-9001.
The City of Alexandria is re-routing two highly frequented pedestrian and bicycle paths due to the ongoing construction at Potomac Yard. First, the City’s trail at Four Mile Run Park, which runs east from the north end of Commonwealth Avenue toward Route 1, will be rerouted for approximately three months. There will be no closures of the trail.
The second trail affected by Potomac Yard construction is the existing shared-use path adjacent to Route 1 from Windsor Avenue to East Glebe Road. This trail has been rerouted to the east to allow roadway grading and storm drain installation. Contact information will be posted on signs at the site, at detour locations and online at potomacyardalexandria.com .
For more information, visit www.alexride.org/trailupdates.php or contact Pedestrian and Bicycle Coordinator Yon Lambert at 703-519-3400, or by e-mail at yon.lambert@alexandriava.gov.
The City of Alexandria invites design submissions from architects, landscape architects, artists, students, and the general public to memorialize and honor the 1,800 individuals—who escaped slavery by fleeing to Alexandria during the Civil War—that are buried in Contrabands and Freedmen’s Cemetery. The three-acre site is located at the southwest corner of Church and South Washington Streets in Alexandria. Design Competition guidelines will be released on Wednesday, Feb. 6 and the submissions are due Friday, April 25. Information and criteria for the design are available at alexandriava.gov/freedmens. Submissions must be mailed to Lee Center, Attention: Design Competition, 1108 Jefferson St.,
Alexandria, VA 22314.
The Alexandria Commission for Women is now accepting reservations for the 28th Annual Salute to Women Awards Banquet. The Banquet, held in March to honor Women’s History Month, is scheduled for Monday, March 31 at the Westin Alexandria Hotel, located at 400 Courthouse Square Alexandria, VA. A reception will be held at 6 p.m. and dinner will begin at 7 p.m. Invitations are being mailed out this week. Tickets are $75 each and reservation payments can now be made online using eChecks at www.alexwomen.com. The community is invited and welcome to attend. The deadline to RSVP for this event is March 26, 2008.
Empowered Women International selects talented emerging immigrant and refugee women artists to participate in the ten-week Training4Success, Spring 2008 program, March 17 - May 19. Classes meet every Monday from 6:30-9 p.m. at The Art League Duke St, Annex, Alexandria, VA 22314. Learn all about building a successful art career or running your own business in a non-threatening, empowering network of artists and professionals. Applications are due March 1 with a training fee of $300/person. Call 703-778-6310 or e-mail sdkhush@hotmail.com for application information.
The City of Alexandria is once again offering free tax preparation assistance to low-income residents during the 2008 tax season. The service, provided by expert volunteer accountants and lawyers from Community Tax Aid, Inc., is designed to help Alexandria residents file accurate IRS and Virginia individual income tax returns and to apply for all applicable credits and deductions, including the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit.
Tax preparation sessions will continue through April 12. Sessions are held in the lobby of the Alexandria Department of Human Services, 2525 Mount Vernon Ave.
Taxpayers will be assisted on a first come, first-served basis. Spanish-speaking volunteers are available on-site and electronic filing is available to help taxpayers receive their refunds more quickly.
Citizens are eligible for the Tax Preparation Assistance Program if their income is below $22,000 for individuals, and below $38,000 for families. Taxpayers must bring a picture identification, W-2 forms and other income records, and records or receipts for expenses for child care, education, or any additional income. They must also provide social security cards or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) letters for all family members and a copy of last year’s tax return, if possible.
The State of the City Address will happen on Wednesday, March 26 at 7 p.m. at John C. Albohm Auditorium, T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King St. Mayor William Euille will provide the address. Free.
The City’s Department of Human Services Office of Aging and Adult Services has a new program entitled The new Door Thru Door transportation. The Door Thru Door program will provide a trained aide to help adults, age 18 or older, who need someone to accompany them to non-urgent medical appointments because of physical or cognitive limitations. The aide will go to the home and help individuals get ready for the appointment, help them into the vehicle, stay with them at the appointment and then ride back home with them. Cost estimates range from zero to $30 per trip. Reservations are being accepted and service will begin on Feb. 4. To make a reservation, call Home Care Partners at 202-638-0736.
Financial Literacy Workshops are designed to help participants achieve financial self-sufficiency. For information on any of the workshops call 703-549-4232 x4095 or 703-549-4232 x4260. The following workshops are free and take place at 1224 Princess St.:
* Goal Setting — Thursday, March 13 from 5:45–6:45 p.m.
* Homeownership Process — Thursday, March 27 from 5:45–6:45 p.m.
* Practicum & Planning for Your Future — Saturday, April 19 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
The following free workshops take place at 8543 Forest Place:
* Understanding Credit Cards Part II — Wednesday, Feb. 27 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
* Debt Consolidation Loans (Unsecured vs. Secured) and warnings against Payday Loans — Wednesday, March 12 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
* Budgeting Process & Analyzing Your Budget — Wednesday , March 26 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
* Goal Setting — Wednesday, April 9 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
* Wrap Up & Planning for Your Future — Wednesday, April 23 from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
For the last 40 years seniors from Alexandria have been coming to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church at 100 W. Luray Ave. for a fun time on the third Thursday of each month. An optional informal worship service is held at 11a.m. and is followed by a meal and a program. Free, but reservations required. Call the church office at 703-548-8608 by the Tuesday preceding the luncheon to place your reservation.
Greenlight Toastmasters International meets every second and fourth Wednesday at 7 p.m. at Mount Vernon Rec Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. Visit greenlight.freetoasthost.info or 703-569-4810.
City residents who are experiencing difficulty in meeting their monthly mortgage payments, as well as those already in the process of foreclosure, are eligible for a free training and counseling service offered by Housing Counseling Services (HCS). The goal of the program is to encourage and assist delinquent homeowners to seek actionable, workable and immediate solutions to prevent foreclosure. HCS is a contract agency of the City of Alexandria, which already provides training and individual counseling for first-time home buyers who live or work in Alexandria.
HCS’s Foreclosure Prevention Clinic will offer participants a presentation on the "dos and don'ts" when facing mortgage delinquency. At the end of the workshop, participants will be individually assessed, triaged, and will immediately be given the opportunity to schedule a default and delinquency (D&D) counseling session. At the individual session, the client's personal situation will be explored, options will be presented and a work plan to address financial issues will be established.
The Foreclosure Prevention Clinic is held twice each month in English and once each month in Spanish. Sessions are currently scheduled to be held on the first Tuesday of every month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and the third Tuesday or every month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at HCS offices, located at 2410 17th Street, NW, Suite 100 (Adams Alley Entrance) Washington, D.C.
The Child & Family Network Centers has openings for 15-plus classroom volunteers through May, 2008. Sign up now to be a Classroom Assistant in one of the Child & Family Network Centers (CFNC) preschool classrooms. The students are wonderful 4-year-olds, who are bright, full of wonder and fun. You will assist a teacher in guiding the children through new adventures in reading, science, art, music and computer basics, among other skills. And of course, there’s play, games, field trips and much more.
Come dine and shine. Improve your public speaking/leadership skills with fun and fellowship. Old Town Toastmasters meets every second and fourth Monday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Trattoria da Franco, 305 S. Washington St. Walk in, call 703-566-4442 or e-mail heartvk@yahoo.com.
Every Saturday, 7–9 a.m. there are bookmark distributions in Del Ray and Old Town to promote awareness about domestic violence. For more information contact Stephanie Romonchuk at Stephanie.romonchuk@alexandriava.gov or 703-838-4911.
Rebuilding Together Alexandria provides free home repairs to in-need homeowners. If you are a Veteran (or a care-taker or widow of a veteran), we want to help. We are able to do up to $10,000 worth of repairs to your home, free of charge. Repairs include ramps, grab bars, roofs, lever handles, etc. The Alexandria home must be owned by you or owned by your care-taker (if you physically reside there) or the home of a widowed owner. To find out if qualified, call RTA at 703-836-1021.
Come and volunteer at the The Child and Family Network Centers (CFNC) headquarters offices in Alexandria. Again this year, CFNC staff and volunteers will be preparing our holiday solicitation mailing. We need your help to hand-address, collate stuff and stamp over 2500 letters. We always have a wonderful time working on this project, talking, snacking and getting to know each other. We would love to have you join us. CFNC relies on the funds from this mailing to help provide no cost preschool and family services to those children and their families living at or below the poverty level in Alexandria and Arlington. Please call Patricia Chapman at 703-836-0214, or e-mail to pchapman@cfnc-online.org.
The Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is seeking persons who are diplomatic, assertive, and good communicators to serve as volunteer ombudsmen. 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
The Alexandria City Council is seeking applicants to fill the following vacancies on City of Alexandria boards, commissions and committees. Council will act on these vacancies at the March 25, 2008 City Council meeting. All applicants must complete a Personal Data Record Form and return it to the Office of Citizen Assistance or file the form electronically via the City’s website no later than 5:00 p.m., Friday, March 14, 2008. Applications received after this deadline will not be forwarded to City Council.
Alexandria Archaeological Commission has one vacancy for a member from the Historic Alexandria Foundation due to an expiring term. The Commission meets on the third Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Approximately five hours per month are required of Commission members.
Alexandria Beautification Commission has one vacancy for a citizen member due to the resignation of John Bramer. The Commission meets on the second Thursday of each month at 7:30 p.m. Approximately eight hours per month are required of Commission members.
Alexandria Citizen Corps Council has one vacancy for a representative of the Alexandria Chapter of the American Red Cross due to the resignation of Dawn Matterness. The Council meets on the fourth Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Approximately four hours per month are required of Council members.
Alexandria Commission on Employment has three vacancies as follows: one citizen-at-large due to the resignation of Alysia Lajune, and two business representatives from among recognized area businesses including minority-owned and small businesses due to the resignations of Richard Kennedy and Kenneth Taylor. The Commission meets on the second Tuesday of the month at 8:00 a.m. Approximately five hours per month are required of Commission members.
Alexandria Commission on HIV/AIDS has two vacancies as follows: one member from and representing the Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry due to the resignation of Steven Hazel, and one member from and representing an HIV/AIDS service organization which provides services in the City due to an expiring term. The Commission meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Approximately three hours per month are required of Commission members.
Alexandria Community Criminal Justice Board has one vacancy for a citizen member due to an expiring term. The Board meets quarterly on the first Thursday of the month at 4:00 p.m. Approximately two hours per meeting are required of Board members.
Historic Alexandria Resources Commission has one vacancy for a representative from the Alexandria Archaeological Commission due to an expired term. The Commission meets on the third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Approximately two hours per month are required of Commission members.
Alexandria Landlord-Tenant Relations Board has one vacancy for a landlord or representative of a landlord due to an expiring term. The Board meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 7:00 p.m. Approximately five hours per month are required of Board members.
Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission has one vacancy for a representative from Planning District III due to the resignation of Kenneth Sharperson. The Commission meets on the third Thursday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Approximately eight hours per month are required of Commission members.
Alexandria Social Services Advisory Board has one vacancy for a citizen member due to an expiring term. The Board meets on the third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. Approximately six hours per month are required of Board members.
All applicants must comply with City Ordinance No. 2452, which states that no appointee shall reside outside of the City of Alexandria unless a residency waiver is granted, and City Ordinances No. 2641, which states that City employees may not apply for vacancies on boards, committees or commissions that relate to the responsibilities of the department in which they are employed.
Members of the Human Rights Commission are available to assist any person or attend any meeting to explain the board and commission application process. To request such assistance, contact Jean Niebauer at 703.838.6390.
For further information about the vacancies or responsibilities of these boards and commissions, contact Rose Williams Boyd or Kathryn Mendenhall in the Office of Citizen Assistance on 703.838.4691.