Alexandria — Email announcements to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday by noon. Photos welcome.
Thursday/Oct. 4
Torpedo Factory Art Center Board - Marketing Committee. 9:30 AM. Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. Contact Jeremy McPike at 703-746-4770.
Parker Gray Ad-Hoc Design Guidelines Work Group. 6 p.m. City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1101, 301 King St. Contact Al Cox at preservation@alexandriava.gov or 703-746-3833.
Art/History Waterfront Implementation Committee. 7 p.m. Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St. Contact Lance Mallamo at lance.mallamo@alexandriava.gov, or 703-746-4702.
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee. 7 p.m. City Hall, Room 2000, 301 King St. Contact Mildrilyn Davis at 703-746-4990.
Friday, Oct. 5
Torpedo Factory Art Center Board - Governance Committee. 10 a.m. Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. Contact Jeremy McPike, 703-746-4770.
Saturday/Oct. 6
532Yoga Sessions. 532 N. Washington St., Suite 100. Visit www.532Yoga.com, email suzanne@532Yoga.com, or call 703-209-0049. 11 a.m.-noon. Beginners Yoga, 8 week course or drop-in. Please register online. Cost $99 prior to 9/28 or $20 drop-in. noon-2 p.m. Inversion Immersion. Explore the foundation of arm balances and inversions and learn to fly! Cost $35 prior to 9/28. 2:30-4:30 p.m. Asana, pranayama, meditation and discussion on this complete yoga practice as taught by Sri Dharma Mittra. Suitable for beginners. Cost $35 prior to 9/28.
Social Security & Medicare. 1 p.m. The National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare is holding an event at Market Square. It is part of its Truth Tour program. Experts will talk about social security, medicare, and the Affordable Care Act.
Sunday/Oct. 7
532Yoga Session. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Ashtanga Yoga Workshop with authorized level two teacher, Antonella Accinelli. This is a three-part workshop: Part I, The Practice, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.; Part II, The Nuts & Bolts 1:30-3:30 p.m.; Part III, The Theory, 4-6 p.m. Full Program $80, individual $35. Register through www.532Yoga.com, email suzanne@532Yoga.com, or call 703-209-0049.
Monday/Oct. 8
Forum for District A School Board Candidates. 7:30-9 p.m. The moderator for the event will be former Alexandria School Board member Eileen Cassidy Rivera. The six candidates in District A, who are competing for three seats, are Bill Campbell, Karen Graf, Stephanie Kapsis, Helen Morris, Joyce Rawlings, and Heath Wells. Five of the six candidates have agreed to participate. Wells will be out of town. In the auditorium of the Mount Vernon Community School, 2601 Commonwealth Ave.
Human Rights Commission - Executive Committee. 7 p.m. La Madeleine, 500 King St. Contact Jean Niebauer, 703-746-3140.
Tuesday/Oct. 9
Alexandria Commission on Employment. 8 a.m. JobLink, 1900 Beauregard St. For more information, contact Dennis McKinney, 703-746-5990.
Northern VA Juvenile Detention Commission. 6 p.m. Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Home, 200 South Whiting St. For more information, contact Monet Paterson, 703-842-2280.
Environmental Policy Commission - Public Meeting. 6:30 p.m. Vola Lawson Lobby, City Hall, 301 King St. For more information, contact Bill Skrabak, 703-746-4065.
Alexandria City Council Legislative Meeting. 7 p.m. City Hall, Council Chamber, 301 King St. For more information contact 703-746-4550.
Alexandria-Caen Sister City Committee 7 p.m. City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1101, 301 King St. For more information, contact Rose Boyd, 703-746-4300.
Alexandria Commission for Women. 7:30 p.m. City Hall, Room 2000, 301 King St. For more information, contact Lisa Baker, 703-746-5030.
Wednesday/Oct. 10
Alexandria Mayoral and City Council Candidates Forum. 7 p.m. Lyles-Crouch Traditional Academy, 530 S. Saint Asaph St. All Alexandrians Welcome.
Health Expo. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Inova Alexandria Hospital is hosting its annual health expo at the USPS, 600 Dulany St. This event is free and open to the public. This year s Health Expo will feature seminars and demonstrations. Registration is preferred, but not required. Call 855-My-Inova (855-694-6682) or visit inova.org/expo
Potomac Yard Metrorail Implementation Group. 6:30 p.m. City Hall, Council Work Room, 301 King St. For more information, contact Susan Gygi, susan.gygi@alexandriava.gov, or 703-746-4109.
Commission on Persons with Disabilities. 7 p.m. City Hall, Room 2000, 301 King St. For more information, contact Mike Hatfield, 703-746-3148.
Children, Youth & Family Collaborative Commission. 7 p.m. City Hall, Council Work Room, 301 King St. For more information, contact Deborah Warren, deborah.warren@alexandriava.gov, 703-746-3571.
Commission for the Arts - Public Art Committee. 7 p.m. Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St. For more information, contact Cheryl Colton, 703-746-5588.
Thursday/Oct. 11
Lunch and Learn. noon-2 p.m. Receive a chef-prepared meal and the information on whether keeping or selling home. The Fountains at Washington House, 5100 Fillmore Ave. Call 703-845-5100.
Tea & Talk: “Open Your Eyes to News You Can Use” 1:30-3 p.m. Every day brings new information about products, services, and resources that encourage independence for people facing vision loss. Join the group for information and fellowship. Charles Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St. Call 202-234-1010 or 703-746-1702.
Fire and Police Officers Pension Plan Board Meet. 8:30 a.m. City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1101, 301 King St. For more information, contact Kadira Coley, steven.bland@alexandriava.gov, 703-746-3879.
Alexandria Electoral Board. 8:30 a.m. Voter Registration Office, 132 N. Royal St. For more information, contact Eric Spicer, 703-746-4050.
Commission on Aging 4 p.m. Human Services Building, 2525 Mt. Vernon Ave. For more information, contact Debbie Ludington, 703-746-5692.
Waterfront Commission - Marina Committee. 5 p.m. City Hall, Room 2000, 301 King St. For more information, contact Jack Browand, 703-746-5504.
Alexandria Community Services Board 6:30 p.m. Community Services Board, 720 N. St. Asaph St. For more information, contact Donielle Marshall, 703-746-3523.
Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing 7:30 p.m. City Hall, Council Chamber, 301 King St. For more information, contact Peter Leiberg, 703-746-4666.
Alexandria Beautification Commission 7:30 p.m. Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St. For more information, contact Judy Lo, 703-746-5940.
Friday/Oct. 12
Commission for the Arts - Executive Committee 4 p.m. Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St. For more information, contact Cheryl Anne Colton, cherylanne.colton@alexandriava.gov, 703-746-5565.
Torpedo Factory Art Center Board - Space Design & Function Committee. 5 p.m. City Hall, Room 2000, 301 King St. For more information, contact Jeremy McPike, 703-746-4770.
Saturday/Oct. 13
"Alexandria for a Lifetime!" 8:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. This free seminar will target planning documents, housing, insurance, financing, medical and care resources available to families, seniors and children. Open to public. Register by calling Senior Services of Alexandria at 703-836-4414, ext. 10, or visiting www.seniorservicesalex.org First Baptist Church is located at 2932 King St.
Ground Breaking Ceremony for Fire Station 210 8 a.m. For more information, contact Gregory Tate, Gregory.Tate@alexandriava.gov, 703-746-3222 .
Alexandria City Council Public Hearing. 9:30 a.m. The public is invited to attend the Alexandria City Council’s regularly scheduled public hearing to offer comments regarding the Fiscal Year 2014 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program, which begins July 1, 2013. Residents are encouraged to provide input. The public hearing will be held in City Hall located at 301 King St. in the City Council Chamber, Room 2400. To view the Oct. 13 public hearing docket once it is available, visit the City Council Dockets and Webcasts page or call the Office of the City Clerk at 703-746-4550.
Sunday/Oct. 14
Race. Sign up to support Boys & Girls Club - Alexandria Olympic & Fairfax Branches for the Acumen Solutions' Race for a Cause 8K and 1 Mile Fun Run race. Visit www.theraceforacause.com to sign up.
Monday/Oct. 15
Alexandria Library Board. 4 p.m. Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St. For more information, contact Rose Dawson, 703-746-1701.
ACVA Board of Governors. 5 p.m. ACVA, 625 N Washington St For more information, contact Stephanie Brown, 703-746-3302.
Alexandria Housing Development Corp. 6 p.m. Alexandria Housing Development Corp., 801 N. Pitt St. For more information, contact Mildrilyn Davis, 703-746-4990.
George Washington Birthday Committee 7 p.m. Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St. For more information, contact Cheryl Lawrence, 703-746-5419.
Social Services Advisory Board 7 p.m. Human Services Building, 2525 Mt. Vernon Ave. For more information, contact Tresniece Perry, 703-746-5668.
Environmental Policy Commission 7:30 p.m. City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1101, 301 King St. For more information, contact Bill Skrabak, 703-746-4065.
Tuesday/Oct. 16
Waterfront Commission 7:30 a.m. City Hall, Room 2000, 301 King St. For more information, contact Jack Browand, 703-746-5504.
Potomac Station Condo Unit Owners Association. 2 p.m. The Station at Potomac Yard, 650 Maskell St. For more information, contact Mildrilyn Davis, 703-746-4990.
Alexandria Renew Enterprises Board of Directors 6 p.m. Alexandria Renew Enterprises, 1500 Eisenhower Ave. For more information, contact Lorna Huff, 703-549-3381, ext. 2260.
Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee 7 p.m. City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1102, 301 King St. For more information, contact Alex Braden, 703-746-3740.
Human Rights Commission 7 p.m. City Hall, Room 2000, 301 King St. For more information, contact Jean Niebauer, 703-746-3140.
Commission for the Arts 7 p.m. Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St. For more information, contact Cheryl Anne Colton, cherylanne.colton@alexandriava.gov, 703-746-5565.
Historic Alexandria Resources Commission 7:30 p.m. Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington St. For more information, contact Lance Mallamo, 703-746-4554.
Wednesday/Oct. 17
Historical Restoration and Preservation Commission 8 a.m. Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington St. For more information, contact Lance Mallamo, 703-746-4554.
Community Policy and Management Team 3 p.m. Human Services Building, 2525 Mt. Vernon Ave. For more information, contact Dawnell White, 703-746-5787.
Economic Opportunities Commission - Executive Committee. 6 p.m. Human Services Building, 2525 Mt. Vernon Ave. For more information, contact Ann Moore, 703-746-5915.
CANCELLED: Local Human Rights Committee Meeting 7 p.m. Community Services Board, 720 N. St. Asaph St. For more information, contact Phillip Caldwell, phillip.caldwell@alexandriava.gov, 703-746-3380.
Economic Opportunities Commission 7 p.m. Human Services Building, 2525 Mt. Vernon Ave. For more information, contact Ann Moore, 703-746-5915.
Alexandria Archaeological Commission 7 p.m. Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 N. Union St. For more information, contact Pamela Cressey, 703-746-4399.
Board of Architectural Review Old & Historic Alexandria District Hearing 7:30 p.m. City Hall, Council Chamber, 301 King St. For more information, contact Al Cox, 703-746-3833.
Thursday/Oct. 18
Commission for the Arts - Arts Forum Committee. 8:30 a.m. Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St. For more information, contact Cheryl Anne Colton, cherylanne.colton@alexandriava.gov, 703-746-5565.
Public Health Advisory Commission 5:30 p.m. Alexandria Health Department, 4480 King St. For more information, contact Dean Bryant, 703-746-4956.
Art/History Waterfront Implementation Committee 7 p.m. Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St. For more information, contact Lance Mallamo, lance.mallamo@alexandriava.gov, 703-746-4702.
Park and Recreation Commission 7 p.m. Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St. For more information, contact William Chesley, william.chesley@alexandriava.gov, 703-746-5426.
Affordable Housing Advisory Committee (AHAC) 7 p.m. City Hall, Room 2000, 301 King St. For more information, contact Mildrilyn Davis, 703-746-4990.
Public Records Advisory Commission 7:30 p.m. City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1102, 301 King St. For more information, contact Jackie Cohan, 703-746-4402.
Saturday/Oct. 20
Bra Drive. In support of Breast Cancer Awareness, the bra drive will support of The Bra Recyclers, which will be collecting bras to recycle for women in need all over the world. for every pound of bras collected in October, The Bra Recyclers will make a monetary donation to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Customers who bring their gently worn bras to a Bloomers location will snag a swag bag and be entered into a raffle to win a free panty and bra set courtesy of Le Mystere. At 924 King St. Visit www.shopbloomers.com
Monday/Oct. 22
Meeting. “Riding Transit into a Financial Black Hole” with Rich Baier, director Transportation and Environmental Services; Mark Jinks, Deputy City Manager; and Eric Wagner, Alexandria Planning Commission at the Holiday Inn Eisenhower Metro Center, 2460 Eisenhower Ave. Reception at 6:30 p.m., dinner at 6:45 p.m. Members with reservations by Tuesday, Oct. 16: $28; with reservations after deadline: $33; without reservations: $38/non-members with reservations by Oct. 16: $33; after deadline: $38; without reservations: $43. Program at 7:15 p.m. $5 non-members. Dinner reservations required. Contact Sherry Brown, 703-548-7089 or agendaalexandria@aol.com to make reservation.
Monday/Oct. 22
Alexandria Citizen Corps Council 7 p.m. Fire Station 204, 900 Second St. For more information, contact Kim Purcell, 703-746-5259.
Commission for the Arts - Grant Workshops 7 p.m. Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St. For more information, contact Cheryl Colton, 703-746-5588.
Alexandria Sister Cities Committee 7:30 p.m. City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1102, 301 King St. For more information, contact Rose Boyd, 703-746-4300.
Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board 7:30 p.m. City Hall, Council Chamber, 301 King St. For more information, contact Robert Garbacz, 703-746-4101.
ARHA Board of Commissioners 7:30 p.m. Ladrey Highrise, 300 Wythe St. For more information, contact Roy Priest, 703-549-7115.
Tuesday/Oct. 23
City Council Work Session 5:30 p.m. City Hall, Council Work Room, 301 King St. For more information, contact 703-746-4550.
Alexandria City Council Legislative Meeting 7 p.m. City Hall, Council Chamber, 301 King St. For more information contact 703-746-4550.
Wednesday/Oct. 24
PG Board of Architectural Review 7:30 p.m. City Hall, Council Chamber, 301 King St. For more information, contact Al Cox, 703-746-3833.
Foster and Adoptive Session. 6-7 p.m. UMFS will hold a free, no obligation information session for prospective foster parents at UMFS, 5400 Shawnee Rd., Suite 101. Agency representatives will be on hand to answer questions and explain the requirements to foster or adopt. To RSVP, call 703-941-9008. Visit www.umfs.org.
Thursday/Oct. 25
Commission for the Arts - Arts Forum Committee. 8:30 a.m. Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St. For more information, contact Cheryl Anne Colton, cherylanne.colton@alexandriava.gov, 703-746-5565.
Commission for the Arts - Grant Workshops 2 p.m. Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St. For more information, contact Cheryl Colton, 703-746-5588.
Alexandria Transit Company Board 5:30 p.m. City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1101, 301 King St. For more information, contact Marlene Jones, 703-746-5637.
Saturday/Oct. 27
79th Annual Membership and Awards Banquet: “Your Power, Your Decision - VOTE." 5:30-8:30 p.m. At the Holiday Inn & Suites, 625 First St. The guest speaker will be Sonia Sanchez, poet, activist, scholar and author of 16 books. Special recognition will be given to the Divine 9, the nine Black Greek fraternities and sororities. Tickets prices are $75. Send checks to: NAACP, P. O. Box 1740, Alexandria, VA 22313 by Oct. 20.
Free Mammogram. To celebrate the growing awareness around breast cancer, this free screening is available to all women over 40 who have a physician order. At Inova Imaging Center – Mark Center, 4320 Seminary RD. Registration is required. Call 571-423-5400.
Monday/Oct. 29
Commission on Aging - Executive Committee 4 p.m. Human Services Building, 2525 Mt. Vernon Ave. For more information, contact Debbie Ludington, 703-746-5692.
Mayoral Candidate Debate. 7-8 p.m, followed by the City Council debate. At George Washington Middle School Auditorum, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave.
Wednesday/Oct. 31
Alexandria Commission for Women - Executive Committee. 8 a.m. Caboose Café, 2419 Mt. Vernon Avenue. For more information, contact Lisa Baker, 703-746-5030.
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.
StagePlay Summer Camp registrations are now been taken for an assortment of camps for pre-schoolers through middle schoolers. Locations are at the Little Theatre of Alexandria and St. Aidans Episcopal Church. For a full camp listing, email bardsplay@gmail.com, or call 703-360-0233.
Plant Clinics. Wonder how to grow great tomatoes, which tree is best for your home landscape, or what strange insect you have found? VCE Master Gardeners can help find the answers at weekly Plant Clinics held in the following locations:
Old Town Farmers’ Market, 301 King St., Saturdays, from 7 a.m. - noon, May 5 through Sept. 29.
Del Ray Farmers’ Market, intersection of Mt. Vernon and East Oxford avenues, Saturdays, from 8:30-11 a.m., May 5 through Sept. 29.
VCE Master Gardener Help Desk (703-228-6414), or mgarlalex@gmail.com; staffed from 9 a.m. - noon, Monday-Friday, year round. Bring fresh samples of problem plants, weeds or insects with you to ensure the accurate identification of any diseases or pests. VCE recommends carrying samples in plastic bags or other clear containers. Don’t bring live insects. All clinics and Help Desk are free of charge.
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 contact Club Vice-President for Membership Katharine Gagné at 202-521-2307 or e-mail of Club_VP_Mbrshp@fivestar.freetoasthost.com and 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.
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 — independently — in their own homes. A non-profit, volunteer organization, AHA! delivers reliable, cost-effective transportation, light home maintenance and computer-related services and ready access to other vetted service providers.
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.
Housing Roundtable on helping responsible homeowners. The roundtable will feature lenders, housing counselors, and other stakeholders discussing the refinancing process, recent changes to the Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP2), and other opportunties to help homeowners reduce their monthly housing costs. The roundtable will be held on Aug. 14 from 7-9 p.m. at City Hall, City Council Workroom, Second Floor, 301 King St.
The Alexandria Tutoring Consortium needs dependable volunteers to tutor Alexandria City Public School kindergarteners and first graders who need help with literacy skills. Training and lesson plans targeted at the child’s reading needs are provided. 85% of the 192 children tutored last year reached their spring grade level literacy benchmarks. Please go to http://www.alexandriatutors.org for more information and to register.