The City of Alexandria will be hosting the Eco-City Summit at the T.C. Williams High School on May 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Residents interested in attending the Eco-City Summit are asked to RSVP at Eco-CitySummit@alexandriava.gov.
On Monday, May 12, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Beatley Library, 5005 Duke Street. Millie Osborne, M.D., psychiatrist, Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences at George Washington University will discuss “The Inner World of a Suicidal Youth: What Every Parent and Health Professional Should Know.” Free.
On Tuesday, May 13, 7:30 p.m. U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-8) will be the featured speaker at the North Old Town Independent Citizens Civic Association (NOTICe) community meeting to be held in the Potomac Room at Marina Towers, 501 Slaters Lane. This is an opportunity to hear about and ask questions regarding both local and national issues. For more information, contact Roger Waud at 703-838-7603.
The Friends of Dyke Marsh will meet on May 14, at 7:30 p.m., to hear featured speaker, Dr. Katia Engelhardt. The talk is titled Why Should We Restore Dyke Marsh? How Will Global Warming Affect Dyke Marsh?
The meeting will be held at Huntley Meadows Park Visitors’ Center, 3701 Lockheed Boulevard, Alexandria, VA 22306 (Directions: www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/huntley/directions.htm)
Dr. Katia Engelhardt is an assistant professor at the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Science. She has analyzed what is known about the natural resources of Dyke Marsh and its restoration potential. She compiled available information about this nationally significant wetland – the plants, animals, invasives, hydrology, geology, history and other aspects. She will summarize her findings, explain why Dyke Marsh should be restored and examine the possible effects of sea level rise on Dyke Marsh. . Visit www.fodm.org.
Contact: Dorothy McManus, dorothymcmanus@msn.com or 703-960-3643.
Join the Alexandria PTA Council (PTAC) at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 14, for a special program, "Discerning Common Goals." The meeting will be held at John Adams Elementary School, 5651 Rayburn Ave. For more information about this meeting, please contact Tina Games-Evans, PTAC director of communications, at TGEvans8@aol.com or 703-402-2226
The Del Ray House & Garden Tour will take place on Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
This year's tour will feature eleven of Del Ray's historic homes and their gardens, as well as the Del Ray Artisan's Center. Advance tickets are $15 per person if you purchase by Friday, May 16th, and $20 on the day of the tour. Tickets will be available for purchase at: Del Ray Farmers' Market, Saturdays 8 a.m. to 12 noon, A Show of Hands, 2204 Mt. Vernon Avenue, and online at www.delraycitizen.org.
On Monday, May 19 Agenda:Alexandria presents “Alexandria and National Harbor: Partnership for Prosperity.” Agenda:Alexandria explores the impact of National Harbor on Alexandria with Stephanie Pace Brown, Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association, and Charlotte Hall, Vice President, Potomac Riverboat Company. Located Holiday Inn Eisenhower Metro Center, 2460 Eisenhower Ave. Reception at 6:30 p.m., dinner ($20 members with reservations/$25 non-members) at 6:45 p.m.; Program (free to members/$5 non-members) 7:10 p.m. Mail checks to PO Box 3598, Alexandria, VA 22302. For information, contact Sherry Brown, agendaalexandria@aol.com or 703-549-4696.
The City of Alexandria’s Beautification Commission is accepting nominations for the 2008 Alexandria Beautification Awards. The awards program recognizes City residents, organizations, and businesses for their efforts in contributing to the beautification of City neighborhoods and public vistas with landscaping and aesthetic design. Nominations must be received by Friday, May 16. Nominations, with a clearly identified property address, may be sent by e-mail to marie.johnston@navy.mil, or by postal mail to:
Alexandria Beautification Commission P.O. Box 178 Alexandria, VA 22313
The award winners will be recognized at the Beautification Awards Ceremony on October 6 at the Lyceum, located at 201 S. Washington St.
On Thursday, May 29, 6:45 p.m., at Minnie Howard Auditorium, 3801 W. Braddock Road. Nationally-renowned author and speaker, Kay Redfield Jamison, Ph.D., Professor of Psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine will discuss “Personal and Professional Perspectives on Depression.”
Starting this month, Southeastern Mobile Dental Services, Inc. will visit the Department of Family Services Office for Children Head Start and Early Head Start sites, making their first stop at the Gum Springs Children's Center in Alexandria on May 14. The children will be cared for by state-licensed dentists, dental assistants, hygienists and technicians with state-of-the-art equipment. Services include dental exams, x-rays, fillings and simple extractions. Children needing more in-depth treatment will be referred to local dentists.
Nonprofit organizations and other grantseekers in Alexandria looking for funding sources now have access to a valuable new collection of resources through Alexandria Library. The Foundation Center’s core collection includes The Foundation Directory Online and Foundation Grants to Individuals Online. All four Alexandria Library branches have access to the two databases through their catalog computers. The complete Cooperating Collection of print and electronic resources is held at the Barrett Library, located at 717 Queen St. For more information visit visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us .
Firefighters from Fire Station 208, 175 N. Paxton St., are participating in the Alexandria “Adopt-a-Park” program. Station 208 has adopted the James Marx All Veterans Park, located near the 200 block of N. Pickett St. The park was chosen due to its proximity to the fire station and to Holmes Run. Firefighters from the A-shift chose this opportunity as a unique approach to their overall commitment to community outreach. They will begin regular cleanup activities at the park at the end of April.
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The Northern Virginia Review is accepting entries for the next issue, slated for publication in March 2009. The Review, an annual journal of essays, fine art, photography, poetry and short stories, accepts submissions from residents of the Northern Virginia and the greater Washington metropolitan area.
People may submit two essays, two works of fiction, three pieces of artwork and four poems, with a limit of five items per person. The deadline for entries is Sept. 18. Additional guidelines can be found at http://www.nvcc.edu/depts/nvreview/nvr-submit.htm. The Review is funded by Northern Virginia Community College, the NVCC Educational Foundation, individuals and corporate sponsors. Contributions are tax deductible and all donors are recognized in the publication. To make a donation or learn more about the journal, contact Managing Editor Steve Drasner at sdrasner@nvcc.edu.
The Alexandria Archaeological Commission (AAC) is now accepting nominations for the Bernard “Ben” Brenman Archaeology in Alexandria Award. 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. Nomination forms are available at www.alexandriaarchaeology.org or by calling the Alexandria Archaeology Museum at 703.838.4399. The deadline for nominations is June 30.
Alexandria Library now offers its patrons a chance to write their own reviews of almost all of the Library holdings (books, movies, music, and other materials) on the Alexandria Library Web site online catalog at www.alexandria.lib.va.us. To access the online catalog, visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us , click on “Library Catalog,” and begin browsing. To write a review, simply register and type your review for all to read. For more information, contact Mark Schwartz at 703-519-3498, or e-mail mschwartz@alexandria.lib.va.us.
On Monday, May 19, 7 p.m. The Landmark/Van Dorn Advisory Group will meet at Landmark Mall, 5801 Duke St. The primary topic for this meeting is affordable housing. In addition, the group will work with the information from the planning and design charrette to further define specific future options to be evaluated and discuss the evaluation process. For further information on the Landmark/Van Dorn planning program, visit the web page at http://alexandriava.gov/planning/info/default.aspx?id=7014.
Community Partners for Children’s fourth annual baby supply drive is underway. The following Alexandria drop off locations will have donation baskets and containers at their businesses. The items collected during the drive will be donated to four local non-profit groups that help struggling families: Casey Clinic, Alexandria Neighborhood Services in Arlandria, Center for Alexandria’s Children and the Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry (NOVAM). The other way to help is to donate a tax-deductible check to support Community Partners for Children’s Baby Supply Drive, Back-to-School Drive and the Holiday Toy Drive. Send your check to Community Partners for Children, PO Box 2738, Alexandria, VA 22301.
* A Show of Hands, 2204 Mt. Vernon Ave.
* Burke & Herbert Bank, 306 E. Monroe Ave.
* Caboose Café, 2419 Mt. Vernon Ave.
* Chinquapin Rec. Center, 3210 King St.
* Chrysalis Chiropractic, 3140 Commonwealth Ave.
* Dairy Godmother, 2310 Mt. Vernon Ave.
* St. Elmo's Coffee Pub, 2300 Mount Vernon Ave.
* T.C. Williams High School, Main Office, 3330 King St.
* Yoga in Daily Life, 2402 Mt. Vernon Ave.
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. For further information and to obtain an application, call 703-324-5422, or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/LTCOmbudsman.
Burke & Herbert Bank & Trust Company has formed a special promotional partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Northern Virginia and Habitat for Humanity, Prince William County. The "Bank Better & Do Good" campaign will run through April 30. During that time period, Burke & Herbert Bank will donate $25 for every Advantage Checking Account opened at the bank to either of the two Habitat chapters.
To celebrate National Preservation Month this May, the Office of Historic Alexandria is offering “Alexandria Preservation 101,” a series of lectures and workshops to help educate owners of historic homes. Preservation 101 classes are open to all and will be held at the Lloyd House, 220 North Washington Street, in Old Town Alexandria. Following is the schedule:
* Saturday, May 10 (two sessions): Workshop: 10 a.m. to noon, $15, “Ornamental Plaster” by Hayles & Howe, Inc. Workshop: 1-3 p.m., $15, “Wall Plaster” by Hayles & Howe, Inc.
* Tuesday, May 13: Lecture: 7:30-9 p.m., $10
* Saturday, May 17 (two sessions): Workshop: 10 a.m. to noon, $15, “Repairing Historic Windows” by David Gibney, restoration carpenter. Workshop: 1-3 p.m., $15. “Restoring Historic Porches” by David Gibney, restoration carpenter
* Tuesday, May 20: Lecture: 7:30-9 p.m., $10
Lectures cost $10 each or $25 for the series of three, and workshops cost $15 each or $50 for the series of four. Advance registration is requested and can be made by calling 703-838-4554 or visiting www.historicalexandria.org.
For the 22nd consecutive year, the Alexandria City Public Schools Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) will sponsor the Harry Burke Awards for Outstanding Achievement in Special Education. Nomination forms may be submitted to Lillian Fennell, Division of Student Services, Alexandria City Public Schools, 2000 North Beauregard Street, Suite 203, Alexandria, Virginia, 22311. The deadline is 4 p.m. on Tuesday, April 29.
The purpose of this award is to recognize an Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) employee who demonstrates outstanding ability, excellence in performance of duties and a deep commitment to the education of children with disabilities. SEAC will present Harry Burke Awards to special education teachers, instructors or employees at the elementary and secondary school levels. For the second year, the group also will present the Anne Lipnick Inclusion for All Award to a general education teacher. This award debuted last year to honor ACPS’s own icon of inclusion, Parent Resource Center Director Anne Lipnick.
Harry Burke Special Education Awards recipients will be announced at a reception hosted by SEAC at 4 p.m. on Thursday, May 15, at the Minnie Howard School cafeteria, 3801 West Braddock Road, Alexandria.
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.
Have an attic or basement full of treasures collecting dust? Put them to good use instead by donating them to MV Big Flea. The Big Flea benefits the Mount Vernon Community School PTA in Alexandria's Del Ray neighborhood. Here's how it works: You donate items to the school PTA. They sell them and keep the proceeds. You receive a tax-deductible contribution. Donations can be dropped off on Saturdays from 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at 409 E. Alexandria Ave. If possible, send an email to joseph.lamountain@gmail.com and let Joe know that you are coming and what you plan to bring so we can plan accordingly. You may also contact Joseph LaMountain at 202-288-5124.
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.