Thursday/Feb. 21
Meeting. Colonial Republican Women will meet from 6:30-9 p.m. at Virginia Hills Administration Center at Old Virginia Hills School, 6520 Diana Lane. Refreshments will be served. E-mail colonialrepublicanwomen@gmail.com or call Debbie at 703-768-1934.
Public Health Advisory Commission. 5:30 p.m. Alexandria Health Department, 4480 King St. Contact Dean Bryant, 703-746-4956.
Carlyle/Eisenhower East Design Review Board. 7 p.m. City Hall, Room 2000, 301 King St. Contact Katye North, Katye.north@alexandriava.gov, 703-746-3819.
Park and Recreation Commission. 7 p.m. Patrick Henry Recreation Center, 4643 Taney Ave. Contact William Chesley, william.chesley@alexandriava.gov, 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, 703-746-4702.
Public Records Advisory Commission. 7:30 p.m. City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1102, 301 King St. Contact Jackie Cohan, 703-746-4402.
Planning for the Unexpected Emergencies. 1-3 p.m. at Charles Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Learn how personal styles and planning have influenced outcomes of the panelists unexpected events. Free. Hosted by At Home in Alexandria.
Saturday/Feb. 23
Youth Master Plan. 10 a.m.-noon at William Ramsay Center, 5650 Sanger Ave. The plan will set long-term, community-wide priorities for young people to ensure they are healthy and safe, academically and vocationally prepared, and socially and civically connected. Public comments for the Youth Master Plan may be submitted to Ron Frazier at ron.frazier@alexandriava.gov or by calling 703-746-5967. To attend a forum or request language interpretation assistance, call 703-746-5970.
Alexandria City Council Public Hearing. 9:30 a.m. City Hall, Council Chamber, 301 King St. Contact Jackie Henderson, 703-746-4550.
Monday/Feb. 25
City Council - School Board Subcommittee. 5 p.m. City Hall, Council Work Room, 301 King St. Contact Jackie Henderson, 703-746-4550.
ACVA Board of Governors. 5 p.m. ACVA, 625 N Washington St. Contact Patricia Washington, 703-746-3302.
Commission for the Arts - Grant Requests Panel. 6 p.m. Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St. Contact Diane Ruggiero, diane.ruggiero@alexandriava.gov, 703-746-5588.
Alexandria Housing Development Corp. (AHDC). 6 p.m. Alexandria Housing Development Corp., 801 N. Pitt St. Contact Mildrilyn Davis, 703-746-4990.
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.
Agenda:Alexandria Presents. “Washington and Friends … If Alexandria’s Streets Could Talk” with Bob Madison, historian and author of “Walking with Washington: Walking Tours of Alexandria, Virginia” at 6:30 p.m. at Holiday Inn Eisenhower Metro Center, 2460 Eisenhower Ave. Includes dinner for $28/member reservation by Feb. 19; $33/member after Feb. 19; $38/member without reservation or non-member with reservation by Feb. 19; $33/non-member after deadline; $43/without reservation. $5/just the program. Dinner reservations required. For information or reservations, contact Sherry Brown, 703-548-7089 or e-mail agendaalexandria@aol.com.
Tuesday/Feb. 26
City Council Work Session. 5:30 p.m. City Hall, Council Work Room, 301 King St. Contact 703-746-4550.
City Council Work Session on DASH Issues. 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.
Budget and Fiscal Affairs Advisory Committee. 8 p.m. City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1101, 301 King St. Contact Alex Braden, 703-746-3740.
Wednesday/Feb. 27
Free Talk. 1 p.m. at Walter Reed Community Center, 2909 S. 16th St., Arlington. Hear a talk on Elizabeth Keckley, an a.m.erican seamstress and her time in the Lincoln White House. Register at 703-536-7557. There will be raffle for those who registered. Bring a story on a seamstress, how you learned how to sew, who taught you, injuries you sustained or other related stories.
Board of Architectural Review Parker-Gray District Hearing. 7:30 p.m. City Hall, Council Chamber, 301 King St. Contact Al Cox, 703-746-3833.
Thursday/Feb. 28
Search is On. The 2013 MS Virginia Senior America Pageant will hold an orientation for women interested in becoming contestants. Contact Annmarie Pittman at msvirginiasenioramerica@gmail.com or 703-549-7012.
Alexandria Transit Company Board. 5:30 p.m. City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1101, 301 King St. Contact Marlene Jones, 703-746-5637.
Economic Development Partnership. 5:30 p.m. Location to be determined. Contact Stephanie Landrum, 703-739-3820 x102.
Children, Youth & Family CC - Executive Committee. 6:30 p.m. Campagna Center Contact Ron Frazier, ron.frazier@alexandriava.gov, 703-746-5967.
Registration open for Camp Carlyle
This week-long summer camp is intended for boys and girls 9-11. It runs July 22-26 at Carlyle House. Learn about 18th century games, clothing and more. Activities include field trips to other museums in Old Town Alexandria. $300/child in the district; $350/child outside of the district. Visit www.nvrpa.org or 703-549-2997 for more on the camps.
Through February
Posters on Exhibit. City of Alexandria students will have their Martin Luther King Jr. posters on display at City Hall, 301 King St. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Free.
Through Mar. 1
The online application for the Military Officers Association of America Educational Assistance Programs for the 2013-2014 school year will be available. Students under age 24, who are children of former, currently serving, or retired 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 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 at www.moaa.org/education. The application deadline is noon Friday, March 1.
Saturday/March 2, April 13
Homebuyer Training Classes. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St. To register call Judy at 703-621-7900. Visit www.vhda.com for requirements and more.
Wednesday/March 6
Lecture and Video Presentation. 7 p.m. at All Saints of America Orthodox Christian Center, 235 N. Payne St. Learn about the resurgence of Orthodox Christianity in Africa. There will be African jewelry and artwork for sale.
Friday/March 8
Service in Celebration of Women. 7 p.m. at Historic Christ Church Episcopal, 118 N. Washington St. The tribute service using inclusive language and readings about inspiring women in the Bible. A dessert reception will follow. 703-549-150.
Saturday/March 9
Learn about Robust Walking. 9-11 a.m. at Cora Kelly Recreation Center, 25 W. Reed Ave. All ages can learn about the benefits of this exercise. Free.
Wednesday/March 13
Speaker Series. 9:30 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2701 Cameron Mills Road. Hear local experts talk about techniques to keep memory sharp, important legal issues and more. Free. To register visit www.seniorservicesalex.org or 703-836-4414 ext. 10.
Friday/March 15
Nomination Deadline. Submit a nominee for the fifth annual Ellen Pickering Environmental Excellence Award. The award will be presented during Alexandria Earth Day 2013. Visit http://alexearthday.org/award.html for requirements and the nomination form.
Saturday/March 16
Boater Education Course. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. at Knights of Columbus Hall, 8592 Richmond Highway. The course meets the boating education requirements of all states. Contact Rich Miller at eaglesailor75@cox.net or 703-780-3765.
Thursday/March 21
Planning for the Unexpected Emergencies. 1-3 p.m. at Charles Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Learn step-by-step what happens during a trip to the emergency room, including what you need to have on you, care and more. Free. Hosted by At Home in Alexandria.
Friday/March 22
Children’s Consignment Sale. 9 a.m.-8 p.m. at Cameron United Methodist Church.
Saturday/March 23
Children’s Consignment Sale. 9 a.m.-noon at Cameron United Methodist Church.
Monday/March 25
Homebuyer Training Seminar. 6:30-8 p.m. at Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road. Advanced registration requested. Visit www.homeseminar.org for more.
Thursday/April 11
Homebuyer Training Seminar. 6:30-8 p.m. at Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road. Advanced registration requested. Visit www.homeseminar.org for more.
Wednesdays and Saturdays/through April 13
Free Tax Preparation. City of Alexandria is offering free preparation for taxpayers whose income is below $35,000 for individuals and $51,000 for families. Sessions are Saturdays from 9 a.m.-noon and Wednesdays from 6:30-8 p.m. at 2525 Mount Vernon Ave. It is a first come, first served situation. Must bring a social security card for each member; photo ID for the taxpayer and spouse; W-2 forms and other income records; receipts or records for expenses, such as child care and education; and if possible, a copy of last year’s tax return. For a disability accommodation or to receive materials in an alternative format contact Alia Fulwod at 703-746-5845 at least 48 hours prior to the tax session.
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.
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.
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
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.