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.
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. Classes range from $70-$110 and will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays, dependent upon the participant’s choice. Advance registration is required. To register for a class or find another class in the area, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcross.org/takeaclass.
Through Oct. 31
October is ALIVE! at Reunions. During the month of October, Reunions, a specialty shop of distinctive antiques, home furnishings, gifts and accessories, is donating 5 percent of its proceeds to ALIVE! (Alexandrians InVolved Ecumenically). In addition to contributing sales proceeds from its October sales, Reunions is also encouraging customers to donate canned goods at the shop for ALIVE!'s food pantry. Reunions is located in the Fairlington Centre Shopping Center between N. Quaker Lane and Kenwood Avenue. Visit them at www.reunionsva.com. To find out more about ALIVE! Visit www.alive-inc.org.
Donation. Jack Taylor’s Alexandria Toyota will donate $50 toward the 2012 Walk to Fight Breast Cancer in the City of Alexandria for every new and used vehicle sold throughout the month of October. The dealership will donate $15 for every “Like” it receives on its Facebook page.
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.
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
Yoga Session: The Wonderful Art of Assists. noon-2 p.m. Stabilize, correct, and deepen your yoga postures. For teachers and students. Register online. $35 prior to Oct. 18 or $45 thereafter. Visit www.532Yoga.com, or email suzanne@532Yoga.com, or call 703-209-0049. At 532Yoga, 532 N. Washington St., Suite 100.
Yoga Session: Hip Openers Workshop. 4-6 p.m. Unstick your hips and get them gliding freely again. All levels. Register online. Cost $35 prior to Oct. 18, $45 thereafter. Visit www.532Yoga.com, or email suzanne@532Yoga.com, or call 703-209-0049. At 532Yoga, 532 N. Washington St., Suite 100
Sunday/Oct. 21
Forum and Brunch. 9:30-11:30 a.m. There will be a brunch forum for the candidates for the Congressional seats of the 8th and 11th Congressional Districts at Agudas Achim Congregation, 2908 Valley Dr. Confirmed candidates are all four running in the 8th District (U.S. Rep. Jim Moran, Patrick Murray, Janet Murphy, Jason Howell) and U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly (D) and Col. Chris Perkins (R) in the 11th. Forum begins at 10 a.m. $5 with reservation; $7 at the door. RSVP by calling Brian Kolstad at 703-965-4036.
Tea with Mrs. B. 8 a.m. Mrs. B and her friends at Teaism will engage children in a lively discussion about healthy breakfast choices and demonstrate how to create a colorful breakfast parfait. Layering yogurt, fruits, and other healthy ingredients, children will learn the benefits of starting the day off right. Light manners coaching and hands-on activities are sure to be a hit with parents too. At Old Town Teaism, 682 N St Asaph St. $18 per person. To RSVP, contact Tea with Mrs. B at 202-448-2930.
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.
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.
Tuesday/Oct. 23
City Council Work Session 5:30 p.m. City Hall, Council Work Room, 301 King St. Contact 703-746-4550.
Alexandria City Council Legislative Meeting 7 p.m. City Hall, Council Chamber, 301 King St. 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.
The Mayoral and City Council Debate. 6-9 p.m. The Debate for City Council and Mayoral Candidates, sponsored by Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and Northern Virginia Association of Realtors, will take place at Minnie Howard Middle School Auditorium.
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.
Sunday/Oct. 28
The 2nd Annual Haiti Micah Project Race for the Kids. 2 p.m. The one-mile cross country walk/run and 5K run will be held on the grounds of Episcopal High School. All proceeds will go toward a new vocational program being developed for older adolescents in Mirebalais, Haiti. Prizes will be awarded. Families are welcome and costumes are encouraged. Children can participate in face painting, moon bounce, 100-yard tot trot, 10-yard trike event, rope pull and decorating a pumpkin. Visit http://racedctiming.com to register. Donations are welcome.
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.
Nov. 1-30
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 the area, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcross.org/takeaclass.
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.