Alexandria — Email announcements to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday by noon. Photos welcome.
Throught Wednesday/Sept. 19
Seek Public Comment. The Alexandria Commission for the Arts invites the public to provide comment on a proposed mural for the outdoor gymnasium wall at the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. The Del Ray Mural was created by local artists and children in the community during the 2010 Art on the Avenue as temporary public art project. All comments will be given to City Council in the fall when an extension is requested. Comments can be offered at the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center, in a notebook near the display, during normal operating hours, or by email toaca@alexandriava.gov, with Del Ray Mural in the subject line. All comments received by Sept. 19 will be reviewed by the Alexandria Commission for the Arts. Call 703-746-5588
Through Friday/Sept. 21
Home Energy Makeover Contest. Sponsored by the Local Energy Alliance Program, the contest is free to enter and open to residents who own and occupy a home, townhome, condo, or duplex in the counties of Arlington, Fairfax, Loudon, Prince William, the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Manassas, Manassas Park and all the region’s towns in-between. Residents must complete a quick online-report at http://www.novaenergycontest.com about their home’s energy usage. Winners will be announce in October. Call 434-227-4666.
Through Sept. 30
ZIPS Dry Cleaners Renew Partnership with Will2Work Clothing Drive. The Will2Work Clothing Drive will provide disadvantaged adults trying to re-enter the workforce with access to donated suits and professional attire that can be worn on the job or to job interviews. Visit www.321zips.com.
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.
Oct.1-31
Thanksgiving ‘Fit for Food’ Challenge is to walk/run/hop/ship/jump 150,000 steps during the month of October and to donate at least one food basket to the Shelter. The goal is to donate 100 food baskets. Participants can increase their food donation opportunities by asking their friends and family to sponsor them in their fitness journey by donating food items for each fitness milestone they achieve (e.g. each day of 5,000 steps or more donate 5 food items, each 1,000 steps over 150,000 in the month donate an additional food item, etc.). Prizes will be awarded for the most steps for the month and a bonus award will be granted to the participant that donates the most food baskets, regardless of the number of steps achieved. $15 participation fee. To sign up, e-mail contact@fitnessontherun.net by Sept. 21.
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.
Saturdays/Sept. 22 &29
Mindful Mama Series. Core Wellness and Physical Therapy invites all current moms and moms-to-be to discuss how a clear mind and healthy lifestyle contributes to a well-balanced mom. At Core Wellness & Physical Therapy, 2212 Mount Vernon Ave. For information/pricing/registration email jackie@corewellness.net.
Wednesday/Sept. 19
Alexandria Works! Coalition Meeting. 10 a.m. JobLink, 1900 Beauregard St. Contact Dennis McKinney, 703-746-5874.
Community Policy and Management Team 3 p.m. Human Services Building, 2525 Mt. Vernon Ave. Contact Dawnell White, 703-746-5787.
Alexandria Law Library Board 4 p.m. Grenadier Room, Alexandria Courthouse, 520 King St. Contact Christine Hall, 703-746-4391.
Union Street Corridor Public Meeting 5:30 p.m. City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1101, 301 King St. Contact Sandra Marks, sandra.marks@alexandriava.gov, or call 703-746-4147.
Public Meeting. 7 p.m. The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities will host a public meeting at the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St., to discuss the City of Alexandria’s Aquatics Facilities. The public is encouraged to attend. Visit http://alexandriava.gov/recreation/info/default.aspx?id=60012
Torpedo Factory Art Center Board 5:30 p.m. City Hall, Room 2000, 301 King St. Contact Jeremy McPike, 703-746-4770.
Economic Opportunities Commission - Executive Committee. 6 p.m. Human Services Building, 2525 Mt. Vernon Ave. Contact Ann Moore, 703-746-5915.
Alexandria Archaeological Commission 7 p.m. Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 S. Fairfax St. Contact Pamela Cressey, 703-746-4399.
Commission for the Arts - King St. Gardens Park 7 p.m. Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St. Contact Cheryl Anne Colton, cherylanne.colton@alexandriava.gov, or call 703-746-5565.
CANCELLED: Local Human Rights Committee Meeting 7 p.m. Community Services Board, 720 N. St. Asaph St. Contact Phillip Caldwell, phillip.caldwell@alexandriava.gov, or call 703-746-3380.
Economic Opportunities Commission 7 p.m. Human Services Building, 2525 Mt. Vernon Ave. Contact Ann Moore, 703-746-5915.
Public Records Advisory Commission 7:30 p.m. Archives and Records Center, 801 S. Payne St. Contact Jackie Cohan, 703-746-4402.
Board of Architectural Review Old & Historic Alexandria District Hearing 7:30 p.m. City Hall, Council Chamber, 301 King St. Contact Al Cox, 703-746-3833.
Thursday/Sept. 20
Fire and Police Pension Adjustment Mechanism Committee 1 p.m. Conference Room, Finance Department, City Hall Room 1600, 301 King St. Contact Steven Bland, steven.bland@alexandriava.gov, or call 703-746-3886.
Commission on Aging 4 p.m. Human Services Building, 2525 Mt. Vernon Ave. Contact Debbie Ludington, 703-746-5692.
Public Health Advisory Commission 5:30 p.m. Alexandria Health Department, 4480 King St. Contact Dean Bryant, 703-746-4956.
Park and Recreation Commission 7 p.m. Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St. Contact William Chesley, william.chesley@alexandriava.gov, or call 703-746-5426.
Art/History Waterfront Implementation Committee 7 p.m. Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St. Contact Lance Mallamo, lance.mallamo@alexandriava.gov, or call 703-746-4702.
Catstravaganza at PetSage. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. PetSage presents Catstravaganza to help cat owners discover how they can improve their cat’s health and well-being. Children and adults can make their own cat toys in a fun workshop setting.2391 S. Dove St. Registration is recommended. Pets should be left at home. Call 703-299-5044.
Saturday/Sept. 22
CPAP Alex Special Lecture: "Free Market Fairness" by John Tomasi, Brown University. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free, but seats are limited. Open to the public. RSVP required at http://cpapalexsept222012.eventbrite.com/ Virginia Tech, Center for Public Administration and Policy, 1021 Prince St.
Sunday/Sept, 23
Greening Your Congregation. 2-5 p.m. The city invites the public to attend the ninth Eco-City Alexandria Green Building and Energy Conservation Workshop. Speakers will discuss the benefits of conserving energy, water, and other resources at your house of worship. Door prizes will be awarded. Grace Episcopal Church & School, 3601 Russell Rd. Participants are encouraged to RSVP by e-mail to erica.bannerman@alexandriava.gov.
Monday/Sept. 24
Park Planning Meeting. 7 p.m. The Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St. Members of the public are invited and encouraged to attend. The meeting agenda will include discussions on implementing the community park and the park planning process.
ACVA Board of Governors 5 p.m. ACVA, 625 N Washington St. Contact Stephanie Brown, 703-746-3302.
Alexandria Citizen Corps Council 7 p.m. Fire Station 204, 900 Second St. Contact Kim Purcell, 703-746-5259.
Environmental Policy Commission 7:30 p.m. City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1101, 301 King St. Contact Bill Skrabak, 703-746-4065.
Alexandria Sister Cities Committee 7:30 p.m. City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1102, 301 King St. Contact Rose Boyd, 703-746-4300.
Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board 7:30 p.m. City Hall, Council Chamber, 301 King St. Contact Robert Garbacz, 703-746-4101.
ARHA Board of Commissioners 7:30 p.m. Ladrey Highrise, 300 Wythe St. Contact Roy Priest, 703-549-7115.
Awards Ceremony. 7:30 p.m. The Alexandria Beautification Commission recognizes residents, organizations, and businesses for their efforts in contributing to the beautification of City neighborhoods and public vistas. At the Lee Center, Richard Kauffman Auditorium, 1108 Jefferson St. Vice Mayor Kerry Donley will be in attendance to present the awards. Open to the public. Visit http://alexandriava.gov/Beautification
Wednesday/Sept. 26
Adoption Session. 6-7 p.m. UMFS will hold a free, no obligation orientation session for prospective foster parents at 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 or visit www.umfs.org.
Thursday/Sept. 27
Commission for the Arts - Arts Forum Committee noon. Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St. Contact Cheryl Anne Colton, cherylanne.colton@alexandriava.gov, or call 703-746-5565.
Waterfront Commission 4 p.m. City Hall, Room 2000, 301 King St. Contact Jack Browand, 703-746-5504.
Alexandria Transit Company Board 5:30 p.m. City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1101, 301 King St. Contact Marlene Jones, 703-746-5637.
City Council Work Session 5:30 p.m. City Hall, Council Work Room, 301 King St. Call 703-746-4550.
Commission for the Arts - Grant Review Committee 6 p.m. Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St. Contact Cheryl Colton, 703-746-5588.
Alexandria City Council Legislative Meeting 7 p.m. City Hall, Council Chamber, 301 King St. Contact Jackie Henderson, 703-746-4550.
Saturday/Sept. 29
Complimentary Open House and Wellness Clinic. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. October is National Physical Therapy Month. Free open house focuses on how physical therapy and other wellness habits can help decrease pain, improve mobility, and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Attendees will also hear tips in physical activity, nutrition and stress management and etc. Light refreshments will be served. Besides, our month-long “Move Forward” series will continue throughout October with special events dedicated to moms, athletes, those 50+ and more. Core Wellness & Physical Therapy, 2212 Mount Vernon Ave. Call 571-403-2673.
Tuesday/Oct. 2
Career Fair. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The City Department of Human Resources and JobLink will host its Fall 2012 Career Fair “Hire Our Heroes.” Free and open to the general public. The Activity Center, Campus of First Baptist Church, Building Entrance 4, 2932 King St. Event Registration: www.alexandria.eventbrite.com. Contact: 703-746-5850
Community Forum on Drinking and Driving by Youth and Young Adults. 7 p.m. Fairfax County residents, 18 years of age or older, are encouraged to join the conversation about drinking and driving by attending one of five community forums at West Potomac High School, Kogelman Theatre, 6500 Quander Rd. Call 703-938-8723 or visit www.unifiedpreventioncoalition.org.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Ongoing
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.