Email announcements to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday by noon. Photos welcome.
Ongoing
Volunteers Needed. AARP Tax-Aide, a free, national volunteer-run tax counseling and preparation service for low to moderate income and elderly citizens, is currently in need of volunteers to electronically complete and file federal and state income tax forms for the 2013 tax season. Volunteers of all ages and background are welcome. The program will offer free five-day training using IRS computers and software. Volunteers become IRS Certified Tax Counselors after completing the training and passing the IRS examination. Trainings sessions will be held in Annandale, Centerville and Alexandria in December 2012 and January 2013. Volunteers interested in the program should visit: www.aarp.org/taxaide. Email will be sent in December announcing the specific, dates and times the above sites will be opened for the 2013 tax season.
Poet Laureate Needed. The City of Alexandria’s Office of the Arts is in search of individuals to serve on the Poet Laureate Selection Panel. Individuals with experience in arts education, business, or who are civic leaders, arts patrons and artists are encouraged to apply. All volunteers will serve three-year terms. Individuals who are interested in serving should send a letter of interest and vita to the Office of the Arts/Alexandria Commission for the Arts, 1605 Cameron St., Alexandria, VA 22314, or send to aca@alexandriava.gov.Visit www.alexandriava.gov/arts or call 703-746-5588 for more information.
Volunteers Needed. Alexandria Archaeology is seeking one or two highly motivated volunteers to assist in the cataloging of these archaeological finds. Prior database and/or cataloging experience and a keen attention to detail are desirable qualifications for this position. This position offers the opportunity to work closely with Alexandria Archaeology’s professional staff in a friendly and fast-paced museum environment. Interested applicants should contact Alexandria archaeologist Paul Nasca at paul.nasca@alexandriava.gov.
Internet Offered for Low-income Families. Comcast kicks off year two of Internet Essentials, an adoption program designed to help close the digital divide for low-income Americans. A household is eligible to participate if it meets all of the following criteria:
Is located where Comcast offers Internet service; has at least one child who is eligible to receive either a free or reduced price school lunch under the NSLP; has not subscribed to Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days; does not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment. Comcast will sign up eligible families in the program through the end of the 2013-2014 school year. Any household that qualifies will remain eligible for Internet Essentials if at least one child eligible for either a free or reduced price school lunch remains living in the household.
Volunteers. Applications now being accepted for the 2013 Class of TreeStewards. The TreeStewards of Arlington and Alexandria are volunteers dedicated to improving the health of our urban trees through educational programs, tree planting and care, demonstrations and tree maintenance throughout the community. New volunteer training will be held on Wednesday evenings, starting Feb. 13 through April 2013, with some Saturday mornings. Fun and interactive training is provided by recognized experts in tree care and citizen advocates. For more information and to complete an application, visit www.TreeStewards.org or call 703-527-2349.
Through Nov. 17
Coat Drive. Hadeed Carpet Cleaning, Inc., a family-owned and -operated business and staple in the metro D.C. community, is holding its 7th annual Hadeed Coat Drive the weekend before Thanksgiving in an effort to gather 1,800 coats for the Washington Area Chapter of ChildHelp, a national non-profit organization. Donators are welcome to schedule coat donation pick-ups through Nov. 17 by calling 703-836-1111. Homes and offices must be in Hadeed Carpet’s delivery zone area. Culminating event is on Saturday, Nov. 17, 2012 from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. At 3206 Duke St.
Through Nov. 30
Training Courses. The American Red Cross in the National Capital Region will host training courses in CPR, First Aid, and AED in the Alexandria and Fort Belvoir offices. These classes offer a two-year certification, a choice of free digital or affordable print materials, and digital refreshers. Classes range from $70-$110 and will be held Monday through Saturday, dependent upon the participant’s choice. Advance registration is required. To register for a class or find another class in your area, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcross.org/takeaclass.
“Commander in Chief Relief” Spa Package at Kimpton’s Lorien Spa. The package is designed to relieve stress, headaches and sooth sore feet. It includes a Cooling Botanical Foot Ritual and reflexology treatment, and a Sweet Slumber Scalp Massage at a 30 percent discount off the original price. Total treatment time is 65 minutes.Special price is $109 (original price is $155). Call 703-894-5130 or visit www.lorienspa.com
Through Dec. 24
Food Drive: Harvest Mondays. Every Monday during the holiday season, shoppers at Ten Thousand Villages will receive 15 percent off an item of their choice for every non-perishable food item they bring in. Benefiting organizations include Christ House and ALIVE!. Signs are posted inside the store advising customers of the food banks’ “most wanted” items, such as peanut butter, tuna, macaroni and cheese boxes, canned vegetables, etc. Ten Thousand Villages is located at 915 King St. Call 703-684-1435 or visit alexandria.tenthousandvillages.com.
Friday/Nov. 7
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School Group Tours. 8:30-11 a.m. This is an opportunity to tour our Lower School campus, meet administrators, and see our outstanding faculty in action. Reservations necessary. Call 703-212-2705, or email KCarbo@sssas.org. Visit www.sssas.org/admission Lower School, 400 Fontaine St.
Thursday/Nov. 8
Planning the Edible Landscape: Food Production Made Beautiful. 7-8:30 p.m. Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia, a program of Virginia Cooperative Extension, will hold a workshop, presenting design techniques for incorporating vegetables, fruits, and herbs in gardens that are both ornamental and edible. At the Charles Houston Recreation Center, 905 Wythe St. The workshop is free and open to the public, but registration is requested. To register, visit http://mgnv.org/events/november
Seminary Hill Association Meeting. 7 p.m. The guest speaker will be Deputy City Manager Tom Gates on the City’s new initiative “What’s Next, Alexandria?” Open to the public. In the Addison Auditorium of the Virginia Theological Seminary, 3737 Seminary Rd. Visit www.seminaryhillassn.org.
Saturday/Nov. 10
History & Architecture Symposium. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The Del Ray Citizens Association, the Office of Historic Alexandria, the Historic Alexandria Resources Commission, and the Alexandria Historical Society will jointly sponsor a free conference highlighting the unusual history and architecture of the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria. Free event and open to the public and advance registration is unnecessary. The event will be held at the George Washington Middle School cafeteria, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave. Coffee and refreshments will be served one half hour before the conference begins.Visit www.historicalexandria.org or call 703-746-4554.
Free Caregiver Session. 9:30 a.m.-noon. Senior Services of Alexandria’s November Speaker Series will focus on Caregiver Support. At Old Presbyterian Meeting House at 323 South Fairfax St. Local experts will be talking about Adult Day Care, AARP’s online caregiver resources, caregiver management, companion care services and more. Following a panel presentation, attendees can speak directly with the experts about their specific needs. Call 703-836-4414, ext 10 or visit www.seniorservicesalex.org to register.
Through Nov. 10
Help Homeless Animals. Becky's Pet Care teamed with the Presents for Pets Campaign sponsored by the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters (NAPPS) to collect supplies and monetary donations for rescuing pets. The campaign includes many opportunities and options to participate. Becky's Pet Care Aims to collect $2500 in total monetary contributions in addition to over 1000 pounds of supplies. Drop off supplies at donation locations. Becky's Pet Care will reward everyone providing a donation with a good bag of treats, Becky's Bucks Gift Certificates and other fun items. Purchase a t-Shirt from www.Zazzle.com/furrballs and Becky's will donate $1 per t-Shirt sold through Nov. 10. For details regarding the event dates, drop-off locations, supply Wish List and other opportunities to help homeless pets visit www.BeckysPetCare.com/presents-for-pets.
Wednesday/Nov. 14
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School Group Tours. 8:30-11 a.m. This is an opportunity to tour our Lower School campus, meet administrators, and see our outstanding faculty in action. Reservations necessary. Call 703-212-2705, or email KCarbo@sssas.org. Visit www.sssas.org/admission Lower School, 400 Fontaine St.
Thursday/Nov. 15
Colonial Republican Women Meeting. 6:30–9 p.m. At the Virginia Hills Administration Center (Old Virginia Hills School), 6520 Diana Ln. Refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. Contact Debbie at 703-768-1934 or email her at colonialrepublicanwomen@gmail.com
Community Dialogue. 7 p.m. More than 1,500 Alexandrians have already participated in the first step of the "What's Next, Alexandria?" initiative by taking a community poll on the future of civic engagement in Alexandria. Plan to participate in the next step – a Community Dialogue on civic engagement at the First Baptist Church Activity Center, 2932 King St. At the Community Dialogue residents will work together on the issue of civic engagement and learn the results of the community poll. Residents will also hear from Dr. Carolyn J. Lukensmeyer, founder and former President of America Speaks. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/WhatsNext or call Carrie Beach, project manager, at 703-746-3853.
Friday/Nov. 16
Free Dental Services. 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Dr. Qais Musmar, Dr. Mohammed Almzayyen and team at Reflection Dental will be improving the oral health of needy citizens as part of Free Dentistry Day. Patients can choose from one free cleaning, extraction or filling. At 6546 Little River Turnpike. Visit www.freedentistryday.org. Patients will be accepted on a first come first served basis.
Nov. 16-17
Anniversary Celebration. Beth El Hebrew Congregation (3830 Seminary Rd.) is hosting a weekend celebration that will include Friday evening religious services and a Gala to honor Rabbi Brett Isserow’s 10th anniversary as Rabbi for the congregation. The Gala, which includes a reception and catered dinner with dancing is scheduled for Saturday evening, Nov. 17, and will be held at Beth El. On Friday, Nov. 16, the Shabbat service will include a congregational dinner and an Oneg Shabbat gathering after services with special desserts provided by the Women of Reform Judaism Beth El Sisterhood. Services begin at 7:30 p.m., and all are welcome.
Monday/Nov. 26
“New Pathways to Health: What Options Do We Have Beyond Traditional Medicine?” Featuring Eleonora Gafton, faculty member, professional chef, nutrition and integrative health. At the Holiday Inn Eisenhower Metro Center, 2460 Eisenhower Ave. Reception starts at 6:30 p.m., dinner begins at 6:45 p.m. $28 for members with reservations by Tuesday, Nov. 20; $33 for those with no reservations after deadline; $33 for non-members with reservations by Nov. 20; $38 after deadline: $43 without reservations. Dinner reservations required. Contact Sherry Brown at 703-548-7089 or agendaalexandria@aol.com.
Wednesday/Nov. 28
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School Curriculum Night. 7 p.m. This is an opportunity to learn more about our challenging academic program in grades junior kindergarten through fifth grade. Reservations necessary. Call 703-212-2705, or email KCarbo@sssas.org. Visit www.sssas.org/admission Lower School, 400 Fontaine St.
Thursday/Nov. 29
Autism Insurance Seminar. 6-8 p.m. CARD will host a series of workshops to educate parents on the new law and the most effective ways to access the coverage. Learn about what insurance companies will and will not cover, types of plans and rules regarding coverage, effective strategies to maximize benefits, how to understand the complexities of different insurance carriers, which plans will have to comply with (S 1062/H 2467) and what to know during open enrollment. RSVP by Nov. 26 at s.price@centerforautism.com. At 5400 Shawnee Rd., Suite 208
Wednesday/Dec. 5
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School Group Tours. 8:30-11 a.m. This is an opportunity to tour our Lower School campus, meet administrators, and see our outstanding faculty in action. Reservations necessary. Call 703-212-2705, email KCarbo@sssas.org. Visit www.sssas.org/admission Lower School, 400 Fontaine St.
St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School Middle School Visiting Day. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. Prospective students shadow current Middle School students for a half-day of classes. Reservations necessary. Call 703-212-2706 or email JKunz@sssas.org. Visit www.sssas.org/admission Middle School, 4401 W. Braddock Rd.
Friday/Dec. 7
Christ Child Project Christmas Store. 5-9 p.m. The Christ Child Project Christmas Store helps low income families of Alexandria provide Christmas gifts for their children. Families are chosen, registered with the help of Alexandria Social Services, Head Start, the Public Housing Community, and other programs which serve low income families in the city. The Christ Child Project Christmas Store is volunteer run. Contact Michele Smith at msmith@ccalex.org or 703-778-4937. Christ Church is located at 118 N. Washington St.
Through March 1
Educational Assistance. The online application for the Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) Educational Assistance Programs for the 2013-2014 school year will be available. Students can apply for the interest-free loans and grants, which are awarded annually for up to five years of undergraduate study (or until a student graduates.) Students under age 24, who are children of former, currently serving, or retired commissioned or warrant officers and children of currently serving or retired enlisted military personnel are eligible to apply. Active duty, National Guard, Reserve, retired, and former commissioned officers and warrant officers of the seven uniformed services are eligible for MOAA membership.
Applicants must be graduating high school seniors or full-time college students working toward their first undergraduate degree. If a child served in a Uniformed Service before completing college, however, his or her maximum age for eligibility will be increased by the number of years he or she served, up to five years.
Qualified students with a grade point average of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale are considered for selection based on their scholastic ability, participation in extracurricular and community activities, as well as financial need. Apply online at www.moaa.org/education. The application deadline is Friday, March 1, 2013 (Noon EST.)
Tuesdays
Five-Star Toastmasters, Club # 9623. 5:30-7 p.m. at the Pentagon Conference Center. Toastmasters can help participants sharpen their speaking skills, boost their confidence and energize their leadership skills in a team-oriented atmosphere. Visit http://fivestar.freetoasthost.com or Club President Charlie DeWitt at 202-997-5087 or Club_President@fivestar.freetoasthost.com.
First Wednesdays
The Parkinson’s Disease Support Group of Alexandria meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at 2 p.m. At the Hollin Hall Senior Center, Room 109, 1500 Shenandoah Rd. All Parkinson’s patients and caregivers are welcome.
Ongoing
VCE Master Gardener Help Desk. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday-Friday. Bring fresh samples of problem plants, weeds or insects to ensure accurate identification. VCE recommends carrying samples in plastic bags or other clear containers. No live insects. All clinics and Help Desk are free. 703-228-6414 or mgarlalex@gmail.com.
The Alexandria Tutoring Consortium needs volunteers to tutor kindergarteners and first-graders in literacy skills for 30 minutes once or twice a week through May in Alexandria public schools. Training and lesson plans provided. Call 703-549-6670, ext. 119, or visit www.alexandriatutors.org.
At Home in Alexandria! Those interested in becoming AHA! Friends should call AHA! at 703-231-0824 or download the application form from the AHA! website at www.athomeinalexandria.org. AHA! is a 501(c)(3) organization that supports Alexandrians ages 55+ who prefer to remain independent in their own homes.
Connect with T&ES on Facebook. The City of Alexandria’s Department of Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES) is on Facebook. The T&ES Facebook page will share information on topics such as transportation planning, trash and recycling service, road work and maintenance, traffic, infrastructure and engineering projects, Eco-City Alexandria and environmental initiatives, emergency cleanup efforts, and more. Visit alexandriava.gov/SocialMedia.