THE CALVERT REDESIGN – CITY COUNCIL PRESENTATION REMINDER

Eventually I will get this correct — The meeting is tomorrow MORNING at 9:30 am —

The owners and developers for the soon to be remodeled “The Calvert” will be heading to City Council on the morning of September 25^th and seek their approval for their plans.  If you would like to voice your support or non-support please feel free to attend the City Council Meeting.  I believe that this will be a great asset to our neighborhood!  It will be held at City Hall at 9:30 AM.  Planning and Zoning approved the plans on September 7^th. – John Starcher

ALEXANDRIA POLICE CONGRATULATES

CRISIS INTERVENTION TEAM ACADEMY GRADUATES

On Friday, September 24, eleven police officers will become graduates of the Crisis Intervention Team’s second training academy.  A graduation ceremony for the officers and six deputy sheriffs will be held at 3:00 P.M. at the Durant Center, located at 1605 Cameron Street.  The Chief of Police and Sheriff will be speaking to congratulate the graduating class on their accomplishment.

The Alexandria Police Department developed the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) through a partnership with the Department of Mental Health.  A Crisis Intervention Team is comprised of highly skilled and specially trained police officers who function as part of the regular police patrol.  Through their training, these officers receive 40 hours of specialized training in the recognition of psychiatric disorders, suicide intervention, substance abuse issues, verbal de-escalation techniques, the role of the family in the care of a person with mental illness, and legal training in mental health and substance abuse issues.  In addition to classroom instruction, officers-in-training also participate in role playing exercises based on real-life scenarios and spend an entire day visiting mental health and substance abuse inpatient and outpatient treatment facilities where they have the opportunity to engage in one-on-one dialogue with mental health consumers, and learn about resources available to help people in crisis.

CIT is based on a model developed by the Memphis Police Department in 1988 following a Police shooting of a mentally ill person, and it has since been adopted in communities in 45 states. The training is designed to educate and prepare police officers who come into contact with people with mental illnesses to recognize the signs and symptoms of these illnesses and to respond effectively and appropriately to individuals in crisis. Since police officers are often the first responders in these incidents, it is essential that they understand how mental illnesses can alter people’s behaviors and perceptions.  The trained CIT officer is skilled at de-escalating crises involving people with mental illness, while bringing an element of understanding and compassion to these difficult situations.

For further questions, please call the Media Service Unit at 703.838.4636.

DEL RAY BUISNESS ANNOUNCEMENTS

ST. STEPHEN’S & ST. AGNES SCHOOL, 400 Fontaine Street. The SSSAS award-winning Latin program is celebrating recent national achievements! The SSSAS Latin program offers exceptional curriculum, and more than 100 students participate in a variety of club events throughout the school year. Click here to learn more. http://www.sssas.org/podium/default.aspx?t=204&sdb=1&nid=539979&bl=/default.asp. St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes School is a JK-12 coed, college preparatory Episcopal Church School located on three distinct campuses in Alexandria. We invite you to contact us for a campus visit! http://www.sssas.org/inquiry, Lower School Admission, Grades JK-5: 703-212-2705. Middle and Upper School Admission, Grades 6-12: 703-212-2706.

POTOMAC WEST INTERIORS AND ANTIQUES GALLERY, 1517 Mt. Vernon Avenue.  THRIVE NATUROPATHIC (www.ThriveNaturopathic.com). What if there was a system of healing that was completely natural and safe, yet powerful and also grounded in science? Homeopathy works tremendously with seasonal allergies, chronic pain, sinusitis, anxiety and depression, digestive disorders, headache, skin conditions, ADHD, autoimmune conditions, and much more. Come hear Christopher Johnson, ND (Naturopathic Doctor) speaking and taking questions about this robust healing system and how it can change your life. Thursday, September 30th 7:00PM at Potomac West Interiors and Antiques Gallery 1517 Mt Vernon Avenue Alexandria, VA 22314.  Please call 703-519-1911 for reservations.

DEL RAY ARTISANS, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue – (1) Two Open Life Drawing sessions, Wednesday, Sept 22 (Gestures, 11 am – 1 pm, Poses, 2 pm – 5 pm).  (2) Art for Hope – Fundraiser Benefiting Women with LAM, Saturday, Sept 25, VIP reception, Sunday, Sept 26, open to the public from noon – 4 pm.  Details and Bethesda location at our website.  Details at http://www.thedelrayartisans.org/index.htm.

BARKLEY SQUARE, 2006 Mt. Vernon Avenue.  Walk. Groom. Treat.
www.barkleysquarebakery.com  703-329-1043   Buy your HOWL-A-WEEN costume before October 1st and receive 10% off your entire purchase!

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL, 1801 Russell Road. Alexandria’s Original Jr. K – 8 Classical Education Academy.   Due to our continued growth, Immanuel welcomes several new dynamic faculty members for the 2010-2011 school year, including Trent Demerest, Laurie Honig, Katherine Kramer and Alexandra Spears.  A classical school has many distinctives that set it apart from the average classroom experience.  There is emphasis on the ‘great books’ and classics of literature; the development of language and the knowledge of culture.  Music and the arts play an important role, as does Latin, science and real math (yes, like you learned it!)  For more information contact Clarence Geter, Dean of Students, at clarence.geter@immanuelalexandria.org or (703) 549-7323.

CITY OF ALEXANDRIA WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS

Saturday, September 25 – Paws in the Park
Have fun with Fido and friends at the fourth annual “Paws in the Park,” from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Montgomery Park on the corner of North Royal and Montgomery Street. The “Paws” is a dog friendly, family friendly event with K-9 games, DOGA, Pumpkin Painting, Costume Parades and more. Proceeds will benefit the Montgomery Dog Park Improvement Fund, the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria, and the K-9 Unit. A donation of $15 is suggested. For more information, visit www.oldtownnorth.org or call 703.836.8066.

Saturday, September 25 – Museum Day
Four Historic Alexandria museums are participating in the Smithsonian’s sixth annual Museum Day! Between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m., Gatsby’s Tavern Museum (134 N. Royal St), Alexandria Archaeology Museum (105 N. Union St., #327), the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum (105-107 S. Fairfax St.) and The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum (201 S. Washington St.) will be offering free admission to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket. The Museum Day Ticket is available to download at www.smithsonian.com/museumday. Visitors who present the official pass will gain free admission for two people to participating museums and cultural venues. For more information, call 703.746.4242 or visit www.historicalexandria.org.

Sunday, September 26 – Olde Towne Dogge WalkE
Walk a hound, and lose a pound at this year’s Old Towne Dogge Walke! The course takes in many of Old Town’s famous sights, with a start and finish at Market Square on King Street. This year’s event includes another fitness-minded friend: the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria. All proceeds from the walk benefit the furry, finned and feathered residents of the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria. Register for the event and get more information at alexandriaanimals.org.

Monday, September 27 – Tavern Toddlers
Join us for a special program for toddlers (walkers through 36 months) and their caregivers at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Tavern Toddlers features a weekly open playtime in Gadsby’s historic ballroom each Monday, excluding Federal holidays, through November 15, any time between 10:30 a.m. and noon. Crafts change weekly! Cost is $7 for a group of three, which must include one adult, or $30 for purchase of a five-week pass. For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.746.4242.

Wednesday, September 29 – Charles Houston “Krunch Bunch” Senior Center
The Charles Houston “Krunch Bunch” Senior Center invites you to celebrate the Center’s 38th Anniversary at 11 a.m. at the Charles Houston Community Center, Multipurpose Room, 901 Wythe St. To reserve lunch, please R.S.V.P. to Vanessa Green no later that Monday, September 27, at 703.746.5456 or e-mail vanessa.greene@alexandriava.gov. Suggested meal donation for guests under age 60 is $5.82.

Thursday, September 30 – Tracey “Unstoppable” Fells and Tony “Da Beast” Suggs Speak on Overcoming Addiction
In recognition of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, Tony “Da Beast” Suggs and Tracey “Unstoppable” Fells, T.C. Williams graduates, will speak about how their athletic careers were derailed by drugs. Suggs was on his way to boxing on the Olympic Team until he faced charges for drug use. Fells was a football star, an all-state performer and also a drug dealer. Both will speak about how they recovered their lives after drugs and prison time shattered their dreams. This free event will be held from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mt. Vernon Ave. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/mhmrsa.

Saturday, October 2 – Art on the Avenue
The 15th annual Art on the Avenue festival will take from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mount Vernon Avenue in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria. The event is free and open to all. The multicultural arts and music festival features more than 350 local arts and crafts vendors selling their original works, delicious international food for purchase, and three stages with live music. Free children’s craft activities and entertainment, artists’ demonstrations and a pie-baking contest complete the day’s program. For more information, visit www.artontheavenue.org.

Saturday, October 2 – Apothecary Open House
In recognition of October’s designation as National Pharmacy Month, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum (105-107 S. Fairfax St.) will host a free open house from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors are welcome to explore the Apothecary and its collection featuring a special exhibition of curious objects rarely displayed. Participate in Curator Talks, experience the wonders of “modern” science as presented by re-enactors, and talk with a pharmacy professor and discover how far the modern pharmacy has come since the Apothecary Shop closed its doors. For more information, visit www.apothecarymuseum.org or call 703.746.3852.

Saturday, October 2 – Archaeology Scavenger Hunt
Kick off Virginia Archaeology Month at this family-friendly scavenger hunt between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. at the Alexandria Archaeology Museum (105 N. Union St., #327). The hints to this free scavenger hunt for kids are found in the museum’s exhibits of excavated artifacts, which include a very interesting pet dog burial. For more information, visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org or call 703.746.4399.

Saturday, October 9 – SOAR SPA Day of Exploration & Celebration
SOAR SPA (Speaking Out About Rape — Something Positive Afterward) is a retreat for survivors of sexual assault and their families, designed to enhance the healing process by rejuvenating the spirit and fostering supportive relationships and bonds. The Soar Spa Mini Day of Exploration & Celebration will be held from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The retreat features workshops for personal growth, acceptance, and healing. Group work is balanced with individual time to reflect and set goals. The SOAR SPA is intended to rejuvenate, inspire, motivate, and encourage survivors and their supporters in the healing journey. The cost of the SPA is $75. For more information, call 407.898.0693 or e-mail info@soarspa.com.

Thursday, October 21 to Sunday, October 24 – Alexandria Archaeology Institute
Do you watch the History Channel and imagine yourself excavating a real historic site? Well, here’s your chance to grab a trowel and dig in! Join Alexandria archaeologists for a unique opportunity to excavate the Shuter’s Hill site on the grounds of the George Washington Masonic Memorial (101 Callahan Dr.) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Gain hands-on experience in site excavation methods and record keeping. Learn how to use a transit, process and catalog artifacts in the laboratory, and interpret new discoveries. Advance registration is required. For more information, visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org or call 703.746.4399.

Charles Houston Recreation Center Naming Committee Extends Deadline Seeking Nominations
The Ad Hoc Charles Houston Recreation Center Naming Committee, established to honor individuals who made outstanding contributions to Alexandria’s African American community by dedicating recreation center rooms in their honor, has extended the deadline to submit nominations of honorees for a second round of dedications to Wednesday, October 20. Specifically, the Committee seeks nominations of people who participated in the struggle to advance African Americans economically, socially, educationally, and religiously from the 1920s to 1965. Nomination packets may be mailed or dropped off to RPCA, c/o Jack Browand, Division Chief, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Nominations must be received in person or postmarked by Monday, September 20. For more information, contact Jack Browand at 703.746.5504 or jack.browand@alexandriava.gov.

Provide Input on the Fiscal Year (FY) 2012 Budget
The City of Alexandria expects FY 2012 to be another challenging year as we continue to plan strategically for the future. As the City begins the budget process, we would like public input regarding the FY 2012 Operating Budget and Capital Improvement Program. Our goal is to link the budget process more closely to the Strategic Plan, adopted by City Council. On Saturday, October 16, the public is invited to attend City Council’s public hearing to offer your comments regarding the upcoming budget and how the City should use its limited resources to meet our most important community goals. The public hearing will be held in City Council Chambers (Room 2400), 301 King St., and starts at 9:30 a.m. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/Budget.

2010 Business Personal Property Tax Bills Due October 5
The City of Alexandria reminds taxpayers that the 2010 Business Personal Property Tax is due October 5 from all businesses that were operating in the City as of January 1. Payment in full must be received or postmarked by October 5 to avoid penalties and interest. Alexandria taxpayers are encouraged to pay their business personal property taxes by mail or online to avoid waiting in line. The City offers several convenient methods for paying the business personal property tax, and you can learn more at www.alexandriava.gov/Payments. For more information on the business personal property tax, visit www.alexandriava.gov/BusinessTax.  

2010 Vehicle Personal Property Tax Bills Due October 5
The City of Alexandria reminds taxpayers that the 2010 Vehicle Personal Property Tax is due October 5 from all vehicle owners who lived in the City for all or part of calendar year 2010. Payment in full must be received or postmarked by October 5 to avoid penalties and interest. Alexandria taxpayers are encouraged to pay their personal property taxes by mail or online to avoid waiting in line. The City offers several convenient methods for paying the personal property tax, and you can learn more at www.alexandriava.gov/Payments. For more information on vehicle personal property taxes, visit www.alexandriava.gov/CarTax.  

King Street Paving Project
The City of Alexandria is resurfacing King Street, between Columbus Street and the King Street Metro. The scope of the King Street improvement project includes two phases. The first phase is nearly complete, and includes curb and gutter repairs and new ADA accessible ramps at crosswalks. Crews will be obtaining pavement core sampling along King Street from Columbus to Dangerfield on Saturday, September 25 and Sunday, September 26. During the sampling process, the City will post “No Parking” signs in the areas of sampling between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. For more information, call the Department of Transportation & Environmental Services, Construction & Inspection Division, at 703.746.4035.