Nominations for the 2009 Alexandria Beautification Awards: The City of Alexandria’s Beautification Commission is accepting nominations for the 2009 Beautification Award. The award program recognizes City residents, organizations and businesses for their efforts in contributing to the beautification of the City neighborhoods and public vistas with landscaping and aesthetic design. Nominations must be received by Friday, May 29. Contact Jennifer Pugh, Commission Chair, at 703-918-1480 or jenniferspugh@gmail.com or visit Web site www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.
All City of Alexandria government offices will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
* Recreation Centers: The Chinquapin Park Recreation Center will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 25. All other City recreation centers will be closed.
* Libraries: All Alexandria Library branches will be closed on May 25.
* Transit: Alexandria Transit Company’s DASH bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule on May 25.
* Refuse Collection: Residential trash and recycling will not be collected on May 25. Scheduled collections will be delayed by one day during the week of May 25. The household hazardous waste and electronics recycling collection site will also be closed.
* Parking: On May 25, the Alexandria Police Department will suspend enforcement of parking restrictions at metered spaces, as well as time restrictions in residential permit parking districts and other areas with signed parking time limits.
* State Offices: The following Commonwealth of Virginia offices located in Alexandria will be closed May 25: the Circuit, General District, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts, the Clerk of Court Office, and the DMV Office at 2681 Mill Road.
* Health Facilities: The Alexandria Health Department (4480 King St.), the Flora Krause Casey Health Center (1200 N. Howard St.), and the Adolescent Health Center (3701 W. Braddock Road) will be closed on May 25.
* Hotlines: All emergency hotlines operated by the Alexandria Office on Women operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including the domestic violence hotline, 703-838-4911, and the sexual assault hotline, 703-683-7273.
Call Jennifer Harris at 703-838-5078 or e-mail jennifer.harris@alexandriava.gov.
<cal1>May 30
<cal2>Final Applications Due. The Alexandria Rotary is soliciting grant requests from non-profit organizations. This year the application process is entirely "on line." See the Alexandria Rotary Web site, www. AlexandriaRotary.org.and click on the web site link for non-profits, found on the Rotary Home Page. The Rotary anticipates there will be one award for $10,000 and most will be between $1,000-$2,000.
<cal1>Tuesday/June 16
<cal2>More Money for Small Businesses. 8:15-10:15 a.m. $15/$20. Learn to increase profits, eliminate up to 75% in capital gains taxes, and more. South County Government Center, 8350 Richmond Hwy., Room 22, Alexandria. RSVP to Rachel at 703-360-5008 or info@sfdc.org.
<cal1>Wednesday/June 10
<cal2>Friends of Local History. 7 p.m. Alexandria Library, Kate Waller Barrett Branch, 717 Queen Street, Alexandria. This year Northern Virginia’s first Reform congregation, Congregation Beth El, celebrates its 150th anniversary. Come learn about its evolution from the 1859 Old Town synagogue, its social and cultural
contributions to Alexandia’s history and its growing archives collection.
Stormwater Outreach Meetings. The Department of Transportation & Environmental Services invites residents to attend one of four upcoming stormwater management public outreach meetings, where residents are invited to discuss the City’s stormwater programs and provide input on funding options. Contact Maurice Daly at 703-519-3400.
* May 21, Lyles-Crouch Elementary School, 530 S. St. Asaph St., 7 p.m.
* May 27, George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave, 7 p.m.
* June 2, Samuel Tucker Elementary School, 435 Ferdinand Day Dr., at 7 p.m.
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On behalf of the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission, the Office of Historic Alexandria and Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association will co-sponsor a Civil War Sesquicentennial community planning meeting on Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to noon. The meeting will be held at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria, and free parking is available. This meeting is open to all, and public participation is most welcome.
The purpose of the meeting will be to gather public input and refine ideas for Alexandria’s commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. As part of the Virginia Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War Commission, a local committee is to be formed as part of a statewide effort to develop a greater understanding of the cause, impact and aftermath of the war, based on the theme "Understanding Our Past, Embracing Our Future." Activities associated with this initiative are planned to take place from 2011 to 2015.
As part of the June 6 program, representatives from each of Alexandria’s history museums will give short presentations on plans, ideas or suggestions for participation in the upcoming anniversary remembrance. Following the presentations, those attending will break into small groups to gather and refine recommendations on how Alexandria should best proceed with this commemorative effort.
Alexandria’s Civil War heritage is very unique because it reflects the history of the Union, the Confederacy and African Americans. The overwhelming majority of Alexandrians were loyal to the South, with one of its most prominent citizens, General Robert E. Lee, commanding the Confederacy’s Army of Northern Virginia, and hundreds of men from Alexandria serving with the Confederate Army.
Although Virginia had voted to secede from the Union in 1861, Alexandria played an unusual role due to its proximity to the federal capital and occupation by Union forces throughout the war. In addition to being used as a center for military supplies, transportation and medical care throughout the war period, Alexandria was also the site of a major Union earthwork fortification known as Fort Ward, built to defend the capital against an attack from the west. Now the best surviving example of the "Defenses of Washington," Fort Ward was restored by the City of Alexandria in the early 1960s to commemorate the Civil War Centennial.
The Union presence in Alexandria made it a destination for enslaved African Americans seeking freedom. Thousands of refugees arrived here, but without adequate food, shelter and medical care, hundreds of them died. The military authority ordered that a cemetery be established in 1864 and over the next five years, approximately 1,800 people were buried there before the federal government abandoned the cemetery. In 2007, the City acquired the site, today known as the Contraband and Freedmen’s Cemetery Memorial.
The June 6 program will assist Historic Alexandria Resources Commission, the Office of Historic Alexandria and Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association in developing a plan that reflects these and other themes of Alexandria’s Civil War heritage.
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Saturday, May 30, 2009, Public Forum on Torture Issue, attorney Brent Mickum, co-counsel for tortured Guantanamo detainee Abu Zubaydah, discusses laws against torture and treatment of his clients under Bush administration interrogation policy; Dr. Bill Barbieri, Associate Professor of Ethics, Catholic University, discusses moral questions of torture and assigning accountability, sponsored by Northern Virginians for Peace and Justice, Virginia Chapter, Progressive Democrats of America, and Common Cause. 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. Arlington Central Library Auditorium, 1015 North Quincy St., Arlington. Free. 703-200-3379 or crowelegal@earthlink.net.
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The Old Dominion Bar Association proudly presents a FREE Town Hall Meeting entitled "FIGHTING FORECLOSURE, how to prevent foreclosure or navigate through the process," to be held on Thursday, May 28, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. Please contact tminstitutepllc@gmail.com or 703.299.9500 no later than May 27, 2009 to obtain information about the location and to RSVP for this event.
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The American Horticultural Society is hosting its first annual Community Green on Sunday, June 14 from11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Society’s headquarters at River Farm in Alexandria, Virginia. This new festival will focus on gardening, the environment, and the important role nature plays in our daily lives. There will be something for everyone, including interactive exhibits, demonstrations, and lectures to share the newest plants, products, and techniques to "go green," along with food, music, and other fun activities for all ages.
Guest speakers and exhibitors include: Brent Heath of Brent & Becky’s Bulbs; wildlife photographer Don Chernoff of DC Wild; Joe Keyser of the GreenMan radio show; children’s gardening expert Norm Lownds from Michigan State University’s 4-H Children’s Garden; and sustainable gardening coach Susan Harris. The Johnny Artis Band will perform from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sponsors for the event include Furbish Company, Homestead Gardens, Monrovia, and Renee’s Garden.
Admission is $10 per adult ($8 for AHS members) and $5 per child aged 3 to 12 (under 3 are free).
For more information, call (703) 768-5700 ext. 112 or visit the AHS website at http://www.ahs.org/river_farm/09/community_green.htm.
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Stormwater Outreach Meetings
The Department of Transportation & Environmental Services invites residents to attend one of four upcoming stormwater management public outreach meetings, where residents are invited to discuss the City’s stormwater programs and provide input on funding options. For more information contact Maurice Daly, Department of Transportation Environmental Services, at 703.519.3400.
May 21, Lyles-Crouch Elementary School, 530 S. St. Asaph St., 7 p.m.
May 27, George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave, 7 p.m.
June 2, Samuel Tucker Elementary School, 435 Ferdinand Day Dr., at 7 p.m.
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<hdr15>Bulletin Board
<lst>To have a notice listed, e-mail gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with questions.
<cal1>Thursday/May 21
<cal2>PYPAG Meeting. 7 p.m., in Room 1101 at City Hall. Presentation and discussion on Landbay L, the Metrorail Station Feasibility station location options report, the Crystal City/Potomac Yard transit corridor, and the multimodal transportation study (traffic). Visit web site at
www.alexandriava.gov/PotomacYardPlan.
<cal1>Thursday/May 28
<cal2>Holistic Moms Network Arlington/Alexandria Chapter Meeting. 7-8:45 p.m. Presentation by whole food chef and wellness counselor Monica Corrado of Simply Being Well . NRECA Building, Room CC2, 4301 Wilson Blvd., Arlington. Contact: holisticmomsarlalex@gmail.com or 703-824-6167.
<cal1>Friday, May 29
<cal2>The Alexandria Beautification Commission seeks nominations for the 2009 Alexandria Beautification Awards. The nominations must be received by Friday, May 29. Nominations, with a property address, may be sent by e-mail to jenniferspugh@gmail.com or by postal mail to: Alexandria Beautification Commission, P.O. Box 178
Alexandria, VA 22313.
<cal1>Saturday/May 30
<cal2> Build Rain Barrel. 10 a.m.-noon at Hammond Middle School, 4646 Seminary Drive. Registration required, www.arlingtonenvironment.org/barrel.htm for more.
<cal1>Ongoing
<cal2> The Alexandria Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) meets at 7 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month, at the Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St. Contact 703-684-6190 or visit www.naacpalexandria.org.
The operating hours for the Chinquapin Park Recreation Center have changed. The center’s new operating hours will be Monday –Thursday 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Friday 6 a.m. - 6 p.m.; and Saturday & Sunday 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. For information, visit alexandriava.gov/recreation or call 703-519-2160.
The fatherhood program "Fathers in Touch" is looking for volunteers. It is composed of a 12-week parenting course using the 24/7 Dad curriculum and three supervised visitation activities to promote strong relationships between fathers and their children. The program is free to all participants and will be held at Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave., from Feb. 3 through April 28. For additional information on the Fathers in Touch Program, contact Erick King at eking@cyep.org or visit www.cyep.org.
Hopkins House (www.hopkinshouse.org) is a local charity that provides preschool services for children and offers family education workshops for parents. This time of year donations of facial tissue, diapers/pull-ups, wipes, batteries, construction paper, and crayons are needed. 703-539-4232 ext. 4086.
The City of Alexandria and Volunteer Alexandria have teamed up on a program called "Snow Buddies," to provide snow removal assistance for low-income homeowners or occupants who are elderly or disabled. The City and Volunteer Alexandria will match eligible residents with volunteers who can shovel their snow. Residents are encouraged to apply for this program in advance to ensure that their sidewalks can be cleared in enough time to avoid City fines and/or snow removal charges. To apply 703-838-4800. To become a volunteer contact Kelly Sazama of Volunteer Alexandria at 703-836-2176.
The Alexandria Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) meets 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.
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.
<cal1>Announcements
<cal2> The SARA program is looking for compassionate listeners, both English speaking and bilingual, who would be comfortable talking to sexual assault survivors and their families. To register for the SARA training and/or receive more detailed volunteer information, visit www.alexwomen.com.
Computer CORE is looking for volunteers. To request an application, e-mail Victoria@computercore.org.
The Alexandria Aces Collegiate Summer Baseball Club, the eighth and newest franchise of the Cal Ripken, Sr. Collegiate Baseball League, is looking for host families for the upcoming 2009 season. To volunteer as a host family, contact Aces general manager, Brian Midkiff, at 703-232-8869, or e-mail Brian at brian@alexandriaaces.org.
The Alexandria Archaeological Commission is now accepting nominations for the Bernard "Ben" Brenman Archaeology in Alexandria Award. Nomination forms are available at www.alexandriaarchaeology.org or by calling the Alexandria Archaeology Museum at 703-838-4399. The deadline for nominations is Monday, June 1.
Fort Ward Museum is accepting applications for its Civil War Kids’ Camp, a week of learning and fun for boys and girls ages 8 to 12. Participants explore the lives of Civil War soldiers and civilians with marching, drilling, re-enactor guest appearances, games, crafts and other activities. Civil War Kids’ Camp runs Monday, June 22, through Friday, June 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Fort Ward, 4301 West Braddock Road. Registration is limited to 24 participants; spaces fill quickly, and applications are accepted on a first-come basis. Registration, including souvenirs and healthy snacks, costs $250 per child, and there is limited scholarship assistance based on financial need. For more information or to sign up, contact Fort Ward Museum at 703-838-4848 or visit www.fortward.org.
The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, is now registering for a three-day camp for children ages 5 through 7. The Clio’s Kids Mini-Camp introduces children to American history and life in historic Alexandria through artifacts, storytelling, singing, crafts, "old-fashioned" games, and visits to nearby historic places. Clio’s Kids runs from Tuesday, July 28, through Thursday, July 30, from 9 a.m. to noon. Camp will be held at The Lyceum, 201 South Washington Street. The cost is $105, which includes snacks and souvenirs, and advance registration is required. To register or to learn more, call 703-838-4994 or visit www.alexandriahistory.org.
Then older children will have an opportunity to see what goes on behind the scenes of a museum at a new one-day Curator Camp. During Curator Camp, kids ages 11 through 14 will learn about museums from the inside out. Campers will meet the people who make The Lyceum work, take an exclusive tour, learn about and touch real historic artifacts, and work as a team to create a small exhibit. Campers, their family and friends return to The Lyceum on a later date for their exhibit opening reception. Curator Camp is one day only, Wednesday, Aug. 19, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and costs $75 including snacks and souvenirs. To sign up or to learn more, call 703-838-4994 or visit www.alexandriahistory.org.
ALIVE! is holding a raffle fundraiser with the prize being premium tickets to a Nationals game in July. Tickets are $100 each and only 300 will be sold. Visit www.alive-inc.org for more.