Alexandria Bulletin

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Alexandria — Email announcements to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Thursday by noon. Photos welcome.

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.

Thursday/June 13

Deadline. The Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission is seeking nominations for the 2013 CIVIC Awards. Individuals can nominate an Alexandria resident, group, club, organization, or corporate neighbor. Nominees should be volunteers who have contributed their time, talent, or resources in an exemplary fashion and who reside or are located in the City. The volunteer contribution can involve activities such as removing invasive plants, coaching youth, or providing program support at City nature and recreation centers. Youth nominations are encouraged. A nomination package is available at www.alexandriava.gov/recreation or 703-746-4343.

Discussion. 7-8:45 p.m. at Charles Houston Recreation Center, 905 Wythe St. Giordana De Altin Popiolek, a clinical psychologist with the Department of Community and Human Services who has worked with children and adolescents, will discuss the impact of violence on children, whether they see it on the news, in the neighborhood or in the home at a free community mental health event. Contact friendsofamhc@gmail.com.

Waterfront Commission - Marina Committee. 5 p.m. City Hall, Room 2000, 301 King St. Contact Jack Browand, jack.browand@alexandriava.gov, 703-746-5504.

Board of Zoning Appeals Hearing. 7:30 p.m. City Hall, Council Chamber, 301 King St. Contact Peter Leiberg, 703-746-4666.

Saturday/June 15

Alexandria City Council Public Hearing. 9:30 a.m. City Hall, Council Chamber, 301 King St. Contact Jackie Henderson, 703-746-4550.

Ribbon Cutting. 8 a.m. Join Mayor William D. Euille and members of the City Council to celebrate the city’s most recent open space acquisition at 5325 Polk Ave. with a ribbon cutting and official remarks at 8:30 a.m. A community sponsored walk and “spruce-up” of the site will follow.

Monday/June 17

Alexandria Library Board. 4 p.m. Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St. Contact Rose Dawson, 703-746-1701.

ACVA Board of Governors. 5 p.m. ACVA, 625 N Washington St. Contact Patricia Washington, 703-746-3302.

Social Services Advisory Board Meeting. 7 p.m. Human Services Building, 2525 Mt. Vernon Ave. Contact Tresniece Perry, tresniece.perry@alexandriava.gov, 703-746-5668.

Commission on HIV/AIDS. 7 p.m. Alexandria Health Department, 4480 King St. Contact Nechelle Terrell, nechelle.terrell@vdh.virginia.gov, 703-746-4933.

George Washington Birthday Committee. 7 p.m. Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St. Contact Cheryl Lawrence, 703-746-5419.

Public Records Advisory Commission. 7:30 p.m. City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1102, 301 King St. Contact Jackie Cohan, 703-746-4402.

Environmental Policy Commission. 7:30 p.m. City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1101, 301 King St. Contact Khoa Tran, 703-746-4076.

Tuesday/June 18

Waterfront Commission. 7:30 a.m. City Hall, Room 2000, 301 King St. Contact Jack Browand, jack.browand@alexandriava.gov, 703-746-5504.

Alexandria Commission for Women. 8 a.m. Human Services Building, 2525 Mt. Vernon Ave. Contact Lisa Baker, 703-746-5030.

Alexandria to Renew Enterprises Board of Directors. 7:15 p.m. Alexandria Renew Enterprises, 1500 Eisenhower Ave. Contact Lorna Huff, 703-549-3381, ext. 2260.

Historic Alexandria Resources Commission. 6 p.m. Lloyd House, 220 N. Washington St. Contact Lance Mallamo, 703-746-4554.

Commission for the Arts. 7 p.m. Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St. Contact Diane Ruggiero, diane.ruggiero@alexandriava.gov, 703-746-5565.

Human Rights Commission. 7 p.m. City Hall, Room 2000, 301 King St. Contact Jean Niebauer, 703-746-3140.

Wednesday/June 19

WEBA Business at Breakfast. 8-9:30 a.m. How Retirement Plans Can Benefit You NOW and In Your Future. Speaker Lauren O'Brien, CPA Wealth Management Advisor, specializes in investment management, retirement planning, and multi-generation legacy planning. Learn how to choose the best retirement plan.At the Comfort Inn & Suites, 5716 S. Van Dorn St, Alexandria. Members $15. Guests $20. After June 16th, late registrations add $5.

Draft Plan Review. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St. Discuss the improvement draft plan for Hensley Park. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/65170 or 703-746-5491.

Community Policy and Management Team. 3 p.m. Human Services Building, 2525 Mt. Vernon Ave. Contact Dawnell White, 703-746-5787.

Alexandria Archaeological Commission. 6:30 p.m. Holmes Run Park, Southeastern corner of Beauregard Street and Morgan Street. Contact Jennifer Barker, 703-746-4399.

Economic Opportunities Commission - Exec. Comm. 6:30 p.m. Human Services Building, 2525 Mt. Vernon Ave. Contact Ann Moore, 703-746-5915.

Economic Opportunities Commission. 7 p.m. Human Services Building, 2525 Mt. Vernon Ave. Contact Ann Moore, 703-746-5915.

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/June 20

Commission for the Arts - Arts Forum Comm. 8:30 a.m. Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St. Contact Diane Ruggiero, diane.ruggiero@alexandriava.gov, 703-746-5565.

Economic Development Partnership. 5:30 p.m. AEDP Offices, 625 N Washington St. For more information, contact Stephanie Landrum, 703-739-3820 x102.

Public Health Advisory Commission. 5:30 p.m. Alexandria Health Department, 4480 King St. Contact Dean Bryant, 703-746-4956.

Public Hearing. 7 p.m. Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St. The Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission will hold a public hearing on Capital Improvement Program external project requests. The hearing will include discussion on six external project requests the Department of Recreations, Parks and Cultural Activities received in the second half of FY13. After discussion of the external projects, the Commission will hear comments from city residents on other park and recreation related issues not previously discussed in a public hearing held by the Commission. The regular meeting of the Commission will follow.

Friday/June 21

Deadline. The City of Alexandria is seeking public comment on a proposal to rename Buchanan Park, located at 1501 Cameron St., to Leatrice Byrd Park. Leatrice Byrd lived her life as devoted mother always putting her children and those in the neighborhood first. The legacy of her family and the children of the Buchanan, Cameron, Boyle, and Princess Street neighborhoods were her proudest accomplishment. She lived a selfless life receiving happiness and joy by doing for others. Those interested in providing comments will be able to record their comments by email to jack.browand@alexandriava.gov, subject line: Leatrice Byrd Park, or mailed to RPCA, Attn: Jack Browand, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria VA 22314. For additional information, contact Jack Browand, Division Chief, at 703-746-5504 or by e-mail at jack.browand@alexandriava.gov.

SSA’s 45th Annual Meeting and Luncheon. Noon-1:30 p.m. at the Fountains at Washington House, 5100 Fillmore Ave. Debra Collins will talk about “The Importance of Non-Profits - the Importance of SSA.” Donation of $30 is suggested. Register at www.seniorservicesalex.org or 703-836-4414 ext. 10.

Saturday/June 22

Book Fair. 10 a.m.-noon at Mark Center Apartments, 5708 Merton Court. Children through high school age can come and select up to five books each. Books on local summer reading lists will be offered.

Open House. 10 a.m.-noon at Global Health College. Learn about various nursing programs. Admissions and financial aid counselors will be on hand to give tours. To RSVP e-mail mconyers@global.edu or 703-212-7410.

Saturday-Sunday/June 22-23

Demonstration of Emergency Communications. From 2 p.m. June 22 through 2 p.m. June 23 at Armistead Booth Park, 520 Cameron Station Blvd. Free.

Monday/June 24

City Council - School Board Subcommittee. 5 p.m. City Hall, Council Work Room, 301 King St. Contact Jackie Henderson, 703-746-4550.

Alexandria Housing Development Corp. 6 p.m. Alexandria Housing Development Corp., 801 N. Pitt St. Contact Mildrilyn Davis, 703-746-4990.

ARHA Board of Commissioners. 7 p.m. Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St. Contact Roy Priest, 703-549-7115.

What's Next Alexandria 4th Community Dialogue. 7 p.m. First Baptist Church of Alexandria, 2932 King St. Contact Carrie Beach, carrie.beach@alexandriava.gov, 703-746-3853.

Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board. 7:30 p.m. City Hall, Council Chamber, 301 King St. Contact Robert Garbacz, 703-746-4101.

Alexandria Sister Cities Committee. 7:30 p.m. City Hall, Sister Cities Room 1102, 301 King St. Contact Rose Boyd, 703-746-4300.

Monday-Friday/June 24-28

High School Registration. New student Registration for T.C. Williams High School will take place 8:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Schedule registration appointments for students entering grades nine and 10 by calling 703-824-6755. Schedule appointments for students entering grades 11 and 12 by calling 703-824-6800. Children born outside the United States or who speak another language at home should register from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., no appointments necessary, at the English Language Learners Office, 4701 Seminary Road, Alexandria.

Tuesday/June 25

8th District Job Fair. 9 a.m.-noon, U.S. Rep. Jim Moran hosts a job fair featuring nearly 20 employers and placement agencies in the DC Metro area. The program will include breakout sessions on job searching in the consulting, healthcare, defense and technology industries, and workshops on interviewing skills, entrepreneurship opportunities, and how to best use previous experience. The job fair will take place at T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King St. Constituents can register online athttp://moran.house.gov/event/jobs-boot-camp.

State and Local Procurement Expo. 9 a.m.-noon at Landmark Mall Community Room, 5801 Duke St. Learn how to sell to the Commonwealth; learn how Alexandria buys their products; and more. Free. Visit www.eventbrite.com/event/6208589057 to register.

Potomac Station Condo Unit Owners Assn. 2 p.m. The Station at Potomac Yard, 650 Maskell St. Contact Mildrilyn Davis, 703-746-4990.

Commission on Persons with Disabilities. 5:30 p.m. Vola Lawson Lobby, City Hall, 301 King St. Contact Mike Hatfield, 703-746-3148., mike.hatfield@alexandriava.gov.

Alexandria City Council Legislative Meeting. 7 p.m. City Hall, Council Chamber, 301 King St. Contact 703-746-4550.

School Board Holds Special Called Meeting. 7 p.m. 2000 N. Beauregard St. The Alexandria City School Board will conduct the meeting previously scheduled for June 24. The agenda will be available online. Contact the Clerk of the Board at 703-824-6614.

Wednesday/June 26

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/June 27

City Council/Inova Alexandria Hospital Task Force. 8:30 a.m. Inova Alexandria Hospital, 4320 Seminary Road. Contact Michele Evans, 703-746-4300.

Commission for the Arts - Arts Forum Comm. Noon at Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St. Contact Diane Ruggiero, diane.ruggiero@alexandriava.gov, 703-746-5565.

Through June 30

Fundraiser. Alexandria-area HomeGoods shoppers can support cancer care and research while shopping at the off-price home fashions retailer in the 12th annual HomeGoods “Helps Families Fight Cancer” campaign benefiting the Jimmy Fund, which supports pediatric and adult cancer care and research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, Mass. HomeGoods customers can participate by making a contribution at the register to “Help Families Fight Cancer” with 100 percent of the proceeds benefiting Dana-Farber. Customers may also purchase a reusable shopping bag for $.99 featuring artwork by Jimmy Fund Clinic pediatric patient Phoebe Davis and her brother Caleb. HomeGoods will contribute $.50 for each bag purchased to the Jimmy Fund.

Plan Review. Over the past nine months, more than 585 Alexandria residents provided feedback on the City’s large parks, including Four Mile Run Park, Simpson Park, Chinquapin Park, Holmes Run Park System, Hensley Park, and Brenman/Boothe Parks. Park Planning staff has used the feedback to develop draft plans for each park. Review the draft plans both through a survey and at upcoming Park Workshops to provide feedback on draft plans. The public comment period will be open until the end of June 2013. The draft plans are available for viewing and comment by visiting www.alexandriava.gov/65170. There will also be opportunities for comment and discussion at scheduled workshops. For additional information, visitwww.alexandriava.gov/65170 or contact Dana Wedeles, Park Planner, at 703-746-5491 or Dana.Wedeles@alexandriava.gov.

State of the City Address. Each year, the Mayor delivers the State of the City Address, which provides the public with information, insights, and inspiration on City accomplishments, challenges, initiatives, and other highlights. In this year’s address, filmed at George Washington Middle School, Mayor William D. Euille discusses the City’s quality of life, development, youth and education, transportation and the environment. He also addresses several key issues of concern to the Alexandria community, including the Fiscal Year 2014 budget, the planned Potomac Yard Metro Station, new development in the City, affordable housing, and the City’s economic accomplishments. The 18-minute video address is distributed on the City's website at alexandriava.gov/Video; and will air on AlexTV (Comcast cable channel 70) throughout the month of June on Monday and Saturday nights at 8:30 p.m., following the Mayor Euille Today show.

Monday/July 1

Deadline. The Alexandria Archaeological Commission is accepting nominations for the Bernard “Ben” Brenman Archaeology in Alexandria Award. The Brenman Award, established in 2007, is open to businesses, organizations, families, professional preservationists, volunteers, students and other individuals who have demonstrated work or efforts in archaeological investigation, research, site protection, education, public interpretation, open space design, collections, or conservation. Nomination forms are available at http://alexandriava.gov/historic/archaeology/default.aspx?id=28180 or by calling the Alexandria Archaeology Museum at 703-746-4399.

Monday-Thursday/Aug. 5-8

Registration Open. The Alexandria Sheriff’s Office is now accepting applications for its 2013 Youth Academy, a four-day program in August for young people ages 11 to 17. Participants will learn about the Sheriff’s Office by meeting deputies, observing tactical and K-9 demonstrations, touring the Detention Center and Courthouse, and other related activities. The Youth Academy runs 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at the Sheriff’s Office, 2003 Mill Road. Registration is free and lunch will be provided. In some cases, transportation may be available. Space is limited and registration is on a first come, first served basis. Call Deputy Valarie Wright at 703.746.5017 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/sheriff.

Through Sept. 20

Collection Starts Earlier. To avoid the heat of spring and summer, refuse and recycling collection shifts to ‘warm weather hours’ and pickup operations will begin an hour earlier. All refuse and recycling materials should be placed for collection prior to 6 a.m. Visit alexandriava.gov/SolidWaste.

Ongoing

Eligible low income households can now use their SNAP benefits to buy fresh, healthy and local foods at the Old Town Farmers’ Market. SNAP customers are able to use their electronic benefits transfer cards to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and other eligible food products at the market. The Old Town Farmer’s Market is located on King Street between N. Royal and N. Fairfax Streets, and is open on Saturdays, year round from 7 a.m. to noon.

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.

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

Jay Roberts has compiled a list of more than 250 historical markers located in and around Old Town. He hopes to have the information printed in book form by late summer and needs help with a final walk-about verifying the locations and text of each marker. FOAA has agreed to sponsor this endeavor. Those interested in history, who like to walk around looking for historical markers of all shapes and sizes, can help verify the makers. If interested, contact Ruther Reeder at 703-746-4719 or visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org.

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.

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.

The Connection