Email announcements to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday by noon. Photos welcome.
National Child Abuse Prevention Month Events
SafeAssured Child Identification. SafeAssured ID Kits provide families with vital information needed by law enforcement and the media to immediately broadcast information unique to a missing child. Open to the public. For more information, visit http://www.safeassured-id.com/.
Saturday, April 27, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at Charles Houston Recreation Center.
Darkness to Light’s (D2L) Stewards of Children. Training for parents and caregivers in the ways to better prevent, recognize and respond to child sexual abuse. Childcare and pizza provided. Reservations limited. To register, go to: cacstewardsofchildrentraining.eventbrite.com/
Friday, April 19, 3- 6 p.m. at The Center for Alexandria’s Children, 1900 N. Beauregard St., Suite 200
Tuesday, April 30, 3– 6 p.m. at The Center for Alexandria’s Children, 1900 N. Beauregard St., Suite 200
A Playgroup A Day: The Center will host a playgroup a day through the month of April. Developmental playgroups focus on the importance of learning through play and provide parents with best practices. Ages 0-5. No pre-registration or enrollment necessary. For a listing of playgroups, visit the Center’s website at www.centerforalexandriaschildren.org or call 703-746-6008.
Sexual Assault Awareness Month Events
The Sexual Assault Center of the Department of Community & Human Services will recognize Sexual Assault Awareness Month. There will be several activities going on around the City:
April 15–19 at the Casey Clinic (1200 N. Howard St.) and the Alexandria Police Department
April 19–26 at the Alexandria Police Department (3600 Wheeler Ave.)
The Clothesline Project, a display of t-shirts made by survivors that bears witness to the violence they have experienced, will be on display April 15–19 at City Hall (301 King St.).
Spanish Language Safety and Prevention Forum for the Hispanic Community on April 30 from 7-9 p.m. – A panel discussion on services and information for the Hispanic community at St. Andrews United Methodist Church, 845 N. Howard St.
Denim Day – On April 24, wear jeans to work, school or around town as a visible means of protest against myths that surround rape and sexual assault. For more information on national denim day, go to denimdayusa.org/.
Poll
Participate in ACTion Alexandria's Civic Engagement Principles online poll to review the principles and answer a few short questions. To take the online poll, visit: http://actionalexandria.org/alexandrias-principles-civic-engagement. For more information on “What’s Next Alexandria,” the City’s Civic Engagement initiative, visit www.alexandriava.gov/whatsnext, contact Carrie Beach at 703-746-4666, or e-mail whatsnext@alexandriava.gov.
Wednesday/April 17
Lecture. 7 p.m. at Inova Alexandria Hospital. “Options for Rotator Cuff Tears and Shoulder Arthritis” Free. Visit www.inova.org/AskTheExpert or 1-855-694-6682.
Open House. 7-8:15 p.m. at Lee Center Auditorium, 1108 Jefferson St. Learn about the Miracle Field project and discuss ideas and opportunities to utilize the field. Light desserts will be served. 703-746-5407.
On-line Giving Event. All day, visit www.Spring2ACTion.org and make a donation that will benefit Alexandria non-profit organizations such as the Alexandria Seaport Foundation, Del Ray Artisans, Target Gallery and more.
Playspace Improvement Contest Deadline. Eligible apartment complexes in Alexandria can apply for matching funds to improve on-site playspaces and playgrounds. To learn more about ACOAN and Project Play, go to: http:/healthieralexandria.org/HealthyLifestyles/default.aspx. For questions about the contest and/or the contest application, contact ACOAN Community Fellow, Liz Johnson at alexcoan@gmail.com or at 571-882-9575, or ACOAN Chair, Carrie Fesperman Redden, at Carrie.Fesperman@vdh.virginia.gov.
Trunk Show Benefit. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. at Empowered Women International, 320 S. Henry St. See original, handmade jewelry and fashion accessories made by local artists. Proceeds will support entrepreneurship scholarships for immigrants, refugee and low-income women. All customers will be entered into a raffle to win a cruise Visit www.ewint.org for more.
Saturday/April 20
Alexandria Earth Day 2013. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Drive. Browse exhibits, watch demonstrations, children can take part in activities and more. Free. Visit http://alexearthday.org for more.
Stephen Ministry Workshop. 8 a.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 3600 Russell Road. Enhance care-giving skills and help other congregations expand their caring ministry. $15/person or $50/group of four or more from the same congregation. For more information or to register go to www.stephenministry.org/workshop.
Tree Sale. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Ben Brenman Park, 4800 Brenman Park Drive. Held by Alexandria’s Park Operations and Natural Resources Division. Browse through a variety of trees and shrubs. Reserve a tree through April 17 by calling 703-746-5498 or e-mail dorothy.white@alexandriava.gov.
Cheerleading Competition. 11 a.m. at T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King St. The competition features youth cheerleading teams from Alexandria neighborhood recreation centers and from the metropolitan area. $10/age 13 and older; $5/age 5-12; free for 4 and younger.
Monday/April 22
Agenda: Alexandria. “Exit Interview: T.C. Williams Students Grade their School with T.C. Williams seniors Henry Anderson, Emma Beall, Miranda Jones, and Landon Moss at the Holiday Inn Eisenhower Metro Center, 2460 Eisenhower Ave. Reception at 6:30 p.m., dinner; program ($5 non-members) 7:15 p.m. Dinner reservations required. For information on cost or reservations, contact Sherry Brown, 703-548-7089 or e-mail.agendaalexandria@aol.com.
Tuesday/April 23
ACPWN Luncheon Event. 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at a location TBD. Learn how to fit fitness into a busy schedule and get tips on exercises to do while sitting at a desk. Visit alexchamber.com.
College Admissions Panel. 6:30 p.m. at T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King St., Alexandria. Admissions directors and representatives from University of Virginia, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, The College of William and Mary, Northern Virginia Community College, Virginia Commonwealth University, George Mason University and others will participate on a panel discussion and take questions. Translation services will be available in Spanish, Arabic and Amharic. For more information, contact Patricia Braun in the College and Career Center.
Wednesday/April 24
Alexandria Historical Society Awards Ceremony. 7:30 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. AHS will honor groups or individuals who have made noteworthy contributions to the preservation of the historic, cultural and artistic heritage of Alexandria. Alexandria Archaeology's Pam Cressey will give the keynote speech. Additional highlights include a student awards address by Philippe Halbert, the 2006 Bishop-Ireton High School awardee. Free. Following the presentation of awards there will be a reception.
Thursday/April 25
Reception. 7 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Commonwealth Republican Women’s Club is holding a general membership reception. Free. Buffet follows a talk on how to advance free market ideas in 2013 health policies. 703-684-8989.
Saturday/April 27
Community Shred Days. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at CommonWealth One Federal Credit Union main branch at 4875 Eisenhower Ave. Bring old documents, receipts and other personal materials to shred for free. There will be family activities, prizes and refreshments. Visit www.cofcu.org or 855-GO-COFCU.
Sunday/April 28
Swearing-In. 8 a.m. at Alfred Street Baptist Church, 301 S. Alfred St. The swearing in of officers and executive committee members of the Alexandria chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Free.
Through April
Spring Clean-Up. Residents can clear out household clutter and place unwanted bulky trash and metal items at the curb to be picked up on a Saturday in April. Metals should be separated from other trash items, as it will be picked up at a different collection date. Zone 3 - April 20; Zone 4 - April 27. Visit alexandriava.gov/solidwaste for more.
Through Friday/May 3
Princess for a Night Collection. Donate formal dresses, shoes, handbags, jewelry, unused make-up (for example, sample cosmetics) and “nice” shopping bags. Drop items off at T.C. Williams main office, 3330 King St. between 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The project especially needs dresses for sizes 18+. Please do not donate velvet or wintry dresses, soiled or outdated items, casual dresses or items for mature women, as they cannot be used. E-mail eleanor.muse@acps.k12.va.us for questions or to volunteer.
Saturday/May 4
Garden of Light Reception. 3-6 p.m. at Holiday Inn & Suites, 625 1st St. Features refreshments, live music and a silent auction. $55/person. Proceeds benefit victims of abuse served through Bethany House of Northern Virginia’s Family Assistance Program. Visit gardenoflight2013.eventbrite.com for tickts.
Alexandria Women’s History Guided Tour. 1:30 p.m. in front of the Ramsay House, 221 King St. The tour highlights achievements of women in Alexandria. Reception follows the tour. RSVP by May 2 to alexandriawomen@gmail.com.
Sunday/May 5
Titan Expo. 1-5 p.m. at T.C. Williams High School, 3300 King St. Enjoy live music, moon bounce, rat race, food, car bash, games, book sale and more. Proceeds benefit the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria.
Wednesday/May 8
Speaker Series. 9:30 a.m.-noon at Beth El Hebrew Congregation, 3830 Seminary Road. Local experts from AARP, Adult Companion Care, Capital Caring, Mount Vernon Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Signature Estate and Investment Advisors, LLC will share practical information about options for long-term care insurance, in-home caregiver support, residential facilities, financial realities, palliative care and hospice services. Free. Register online at www.seniorservicesalex.org or 703-836-4414.
Thursday/May 9
Homebuyer Training Seminar. 6:30-8 p.m. at Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road. Advanced registration requested. Visit www.homeseminar.org for more.
Friday/May 10
Dress selection. Any northern Virginia-area student can select a formal dress and accessories from 3:30-6 p.m. at T.C. Williams, 3330 King St. Students will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. Free. E-mail eleanor.muse@acps.k12.va.us for questions or to volunteer.
Saturday/May 11
Dress selection. Any northern Virginia-area student can select a formal dress and accessories from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at T.C. Williams, 3330 King St. Students will be served on a first-come, first-served basis. Free. E-mail eleanor.muse@acps.k12.va.us for questions or to volunteer.
Tuesday/May 21
Advance Care Directives. Noon-1:30 p.m. at The Fountains at
Washington House, 5100 Fillmore Avenue, Alexandria. Get expert answers about living wills and other advance care directives. Guest speaker Gene D. Robinson III, attorney, will answer questions as well as explain the distinction between appointing a power of attorney in advance and having a guardian appointed during a crisis. Free. Call 1-877-254-9840 to make reservations by Friday, May 17.
Thursday/May 23
Small Business Summit & Expo. Noon-8 p.m. at Holiday Inn Old Town. Lt. Governor Bill Bolling is the luncheon keynote speaker. There is a reception from 5:3-7:30 p.m. Visit alexchamber.com or 703-549-1000 for information and pricing.
Thursday/June 6
Homebuyer Training Seminar. 6:30-8 p.m. at Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road. Advanced registration requested. Visit www.homeseminar.org for more.
July 23-25
Clio’s Kids: A History Mini-C.a.m.p. 9 a.m.-noon for children ages 5-7. $105 includes snacks and souvenirs. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/historic/lyceum/default.aspx?id=43632 for more.
Registration Open
Register for early spring “Learn to Swim” classes, held at Chinquapin Park Recreation Center Pool. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation or call 703-746-4343 to register.
Ongoing
Opera NOVA has begun a new collection of previously used musical instruments. Any instrument would be welcomed, regardless of type. Consider helping another family build musical memories. Snare drums, clarinets, and violins are just some of the instruments that could bring joy into a home or school. Any recorders donated will be sent to an orphanage in Haiti in order to build a musical presence there. Opera NOVA has tax-exempt status. Contact Miriam Miller at 703-536-7557 or mcdm1@verizon.net to arrange for delivery.
The upcoming Titan Expo spring festival wants books (all ages, fiction, non-fiction, hard- and paperback, but no textbooks), CDs, DVDs and audiobooks for the Titan Expo Used Book Sale. Collection boxes are located at: T.C. Williams King Street Campus Main Office, 3330 King St. YMCA, 420 E Monroe St. Chinquapin Park Recreation Center, 3210 King St. Douglas MacArthur Elementary School, 1101 Janneys Lane. Francis C. Hammond Middle School Campus, 4646 Seminary Road.
Gadsby’s Tavern Museum seeks a volunteer to translate their tour guide from English into different languages, such as Spanish, Japanese, French, German, or any other language the volunteer could offer. If interested, contact Shadayna Taylor at taylors@gwmail.gwu.edu.
Free Medicare counseling is available for City of Alexandria residents through the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) to help individuals understand and navigate Medicare insurance programs. VICAP Medicare counselors will be available on Thursdays from 1-5 p.m., by appointment only, at the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services, located at 2525 Mount Vernon Ave. Speakers are also available to present information on Medicare Basic to community groups. Call 703-228-1726 to schedule an appointment, inquire about community presentations or for more information.
The Military Officers Association of America’s scholarship fund gives out loans and grants to children of military families. To learn more, apply or donate visit www.moaa.org/scholarshipfund.
Postpartum Support Virginia sponsors a free, bi-monthly support group for women suffering depression and/or anxiety during pregnancy or in the first year following childbirth. Meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at Inova Alexandria Hospital, Health Education Center, rooms 1-2, 4320 Seminary Road. Contact co-moderator Susan Doyle at suzjdoyle@gmail.com or 571-403-0673.
MOM's Organic Market in Del Ray, 3831 Mount Vernon Ave., is accepting holiday lights for recycling. They accept all holiday lights that are no longer wanted or working and offer recyclers a 30 percent off coupon for the purchase of new high-efficiency LED holiday lights.
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.
Five-Star Toastmasters, Club # 9623. Tuesdays, 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.
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 Road. All Parkinson’s patients and caregivers are welcome.
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.
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 your area, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcross.org/takeaclass.
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; and 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 Needed
The City of Alexandria’s Historic Preservation division is seeking volunteers to assist with an architectural survey of the Old and Historic Alexandria District. This survey will be the first of its kind in the country using an exciting new GIS-based mobile application designed to expedite the surveying process and facilitate data sharing between the City of Alexandria and other cultural resource organizations. Surveying will begin in early March, with training taking place in late February. Approximately two days of training and approximately 5-10 days of field surveying. Contact Mary Catherine Collins at preservation@alexandriava.gov.
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.
AARP Tax-Aide, a national volunteer-run tax counseling and preparation service for low to moderate income and elderly citizens, needs 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 offers free five-day training using IRS computers and software. Volunteers become IRS Certified Tax Counselors after completing and passing the IRS examination. Trainings sessions will be held in Annandale, Centerville and Alexandria in Dec. 2012 and Jan. 2013. Visit www.aarp.org/taxaide. Email will be sent in Dec. announcing specific dates and times.
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.
TreeStewards are now accepting applications for the 2013 class. 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.