WARWICK VILLAGE ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY

Plans are starting to get into high gear for our annual holiday party that is tentatively scheduled for Monday, December 13.  You will notice that day is not the normal third Monday of the month for our monthly association meeting.  The normal date would be December 20, but the majority of residents will be starting their holiday vacations.  So, in order for as many residents to be able to participate as possible, we have moved the annual holiday party and monthly meeting for December to the SECOND Monday of the month.  

This year we are also looking at accepting canned goods donations that can be given to the local food pantry.  This food will go a long way in helping others to have a great meal during the holidays.  So please bring any non-perishable items that you like and we will get them to the pantry.

Kathy Sugrue has been our annual holiday planner for several years now and she has always done a great job!  But, she cannot do it alone, she needs our help.  If you are interested in volunteering some time to help setup or decorate please contact Kathy at kgsugrue@comcast.net.

If you are interested in donating a pot-luck dish, something that is one of your favorites or something that is a family tradition, you can also sign-up for that.  You can contact Kathy or me (John Starcher) at WarwickVillage@hotmail.com.

CORA KELLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Hello all — Cora Kelly Elementary School kids (as you may or may not know from my emails) are working hard to raise funds for a new playground. We held a KaBoom Play Day back in September that successfully made us one of the Top Ten finalists in the running for a $10,000 grant from KaBoom. The judges liked our project and your RSVPs counted. Now to win the $10,000, or any of the lower prizes, we MUST get the highest number of votes on our Play Day site.
 
Please help — this one costs you nothing but a few minutes of your time, as many times as you can between now and November 30. You can vote once every 24 hours for your Play Day at http://playday.kaboom.org . To vote, you do have to create a KaBOOM! account, but after that, it’s easy. After the voting, five grants will be awarded: one $10,000 First Place, one $7,500 Second Place and three $2,500 Runner-Ups.
 
Right now we are in last place… we’ve got to get the word out city-wide. Share with friends, co-workers, whoever cares about kids having great places to play for fun and physical activity. And VOTE EVERY DAY.
 
Any questions, email me, thanks. And you can always make a tax-deductible donation at www.corakelly.org… .
 
THANKS!
ashley chappell, CK PTA Treasurer

ANNUAL THANKSGIVING DAY TURKEY TROT

It’s that time of year, folks. Time to trick-or-treat, time to get out your sweaters, and time to make Thanksgiving plans. Speaking of which, don’t forget to register for this year’s Turkey Trot 5-Miler (the 35th annual).

The Turkey Trot is the region’s premier Thanksgiving Day road race with over 3000 participants and tons of spectators. This year, in addition to our many elite and recreational runners, we will have awards for the winners of the first Doggy Dash and Stroller Dash. No longer does your faithful canine or race-loving child have to take a back seat to your running ambitions. Bring them along and run your buns off!

You can get more information on our brand new web site: www.alexandriaturkeytrot.com

Don’t wait. Register your entire family online now at www.alexandriaturkeytrot.com

See you at the starting line!

HAPPENINGS IN DEL RAY

FRIENDS OF DUNCAN LIBRARY: Our annual fall book sale takes place this week! The Friends preview night is on Wednesday, 11/3 from 6-9pm — if you’re not already a member, you can join on the spot!  The book sale continues Thursday, 11/4 (10am-7pm); Friday, 11/5 (10am-6pm) and Saturday, 11/6 (10am-4pm).  All money raised will be used to support Duncan library operations.  Location: 2501 Commonwealth Ave.

THE DEL RAY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER is offering four scholarships to any underprivileged kids between the ages of 8-14^th for the Classes “No Small Parts” ages 8-11 and “Singing and Character” ages 11-14. “No Small Parts” meets on Tuesdays from 4-6pm from November 9th – December 13th. “Singing and Character” meets Sundays from 2-4 November 7th – December 12th. Class descriptions available on the website delrayperformingartscenter.com. Please contact the school at (703) 548 2321 or email Steve Attix at sattix@acousticaxis.com.

IMMANUEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL, Alexandria’s Jr. K-8 Classical Academy.  Classical Education is a return to excellence in teaching, curriculum and expectations.  Join us for an Open House 9am – 12:00 noon, Sat. Nov. 6th.  Location: 1801 Russell Rd, Alex., VA. 22301. www.immanuelalexandria.org  703/549-7323

LA STRADA Wine Dinner, Monday November 8th at 7pm. Six Course-6 Wine Tour of Southern Italy. $75 inclusive per person. Menu on www.lastrada-ontheave.com 1905 Muont Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301

ST. STEPHEN’S & ST. AGNES SCHOOL will perform Thornton Wilder’s iconic American play Our Town on Saturday, November 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Upper School, Chapel/Performing Arts Center, 1000 St. Stephen’s Road, Alexandria. Tickets are five dollars. Visit www.sssas.org for more information.

YOGA IN DAILY LIFE, Workshop: Breathing  (Pranayama) Techniques, Effects, and Practice, 9:30 a.m.- 12:30 p.m., Sunday, November 7 (donation accepted for participation), and Yoga for Back Pain Series, 7:45 – 9:15 p.m., Wednesday, November 10 (drop in fee $16).  Location:  2402 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301.  Phone:  703-299-8946.  Email:  alexandria@yogaindailylifeus.org.  Website:  www.yogaindailylifeus.org.

BELLIES AND BABIES CONSIGNMENT BOUTIQUE has partnered with Lily B Photography to have your holiday cards done! Photo shoot Thursday, November 11th; 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.  Email or call for questions/booking. dawn@belliesbabies.com  website: www.belliesbabies.com  1913 Mt. Vernon Avenue  (703) 518-8908

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FOR NOV. 6^TH – 12^TH

Monday, November 8 – Youth Sports Advisory Board Meeting
The City of Alexandria’s Youth Sports Advisory Board will meet at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Mt. Vernon Ave. at 7 p.m. For more information, call 703.746.5407.

Monday, November 8 – Alexandria Beautification Commission
The Alexandria Beautification Commission will meet at the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St. at 7 p.m. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/31634.

Wednesday, November 10 – Economic Issue Area Meeting #2
The Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) will hold a meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Nannie J. Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St., Gold Room 1, to discuss neighborhood economic development issues, including identification of economic development needs within ARHA neighborhoods, ARHA and other local policy and resource issues, and the impact of ARHA housing on neighborhood economic activity.  For more information, visit www.arha.us or contact ARHA at 703.549.7115.

Wednesday, November 10 – Potomac Yard Design Advisory Committee Meeting
The Potomac Yard Design Advisory Committee (PYDAC) will meet from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Sister Cities Conference Room 1101 at City Hall, 301 King St. For more information, contact Colleen Rafferty, 703.746.3817.

Thursday, November 11 – Ad Hoc Fort Ward Park and Museum Area Stakeholder Advisory Group Meeting The City of Alexandria’s Ad Hoc Fort Ward Park and Museum Area Stakeholder Advisory Group will meet at the Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W. Braddock Rd. at 7 p.m. For more information, call Laura Durham at 703.746.5493 or e-mail laura.durham@alexandriava.gov.

Thursday, November 11 – City of Alexandria Housing Master Plan Advisory Group Session
The City of Alexandria Housing Master Plan Advisory Group will meet to discuss policy and regulatory tools that may be used to promote affordable housing. The meeting will be held from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room at the Jefferson Houston Elementary School, 1501 Cameron St.  For more information, contact Carrie Beach at 703.746.3095.

Thursday, November 11 – Priority Transportation Projects Funding Proposal Meeting
A proposal to fund Alexandria’s Priority Transportation Projects is being conducted as part of the FY2012 budget process, which identifies short and long term projects that have the most transportation needs throughout the City of Alexandria. Members of the public are urged to attend an upcoming public meeting about priority transportation projects and funding options from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Sister Cities Room 1101, City Hall, 301 King St.  For more information, call Department of Transportation & Environmental Services at 703.746.4025 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/TransportationAddonTax.

Coming Soon

Monday, November 15 – Second Half Real Estate Tax Due
The City of Alexandria reminds property owners that the second half 2010 Real Estate Tax and Refuse Fee payments are due November 15. To avoid a late payment penalty and interest, payment must be received by the City or postmarked by the U.S. Postal Service no later than November 15. If you have not received a bill in the mail and do not have your real estate tax paid by your mortgage company, contact the City’s Treasury Division at payments@alexandriava.gov or call 703.746.3902 to request a duplicate bill. For information on the real estate tax and payment options, visit www.alexandriava.gov/realestatetax.

Monday, November 15 or Thursday, November 18 – Columbia Pike Transit Initiative hosted by Arlington County The Columbia Pike Transit Initiative project team invites members of the public to attend a public meeting on Thursday November 15 or Thursday November 18 about the Columbia Pike Transit Initiative. Both meetings will be identical in format so please come to the one most convenient for you. The project, known as the Columbia Pike Transit Initiative, would extend along Columbia Pike (Route 244) from the Bailey’s Crossroads/Skyline area in Fairfax County to Pentagon City in Arlington County. Alignment and yard options extend to the Northern Virginia Community College within the City of Alexandria.  For more information, visit www.piketransit.com.

Ongoing

Rolling Out New Curbside Recycling Carts
As part of the City’s Eco-City Alexandria initiative and the City’s efforts to increase the overall recycling rate, the City is making recycling easier and more convenient by upgrading the containers used in the curbside recycling program.  Throughout the month of November, residents will receive a new 18, 35, or 64 gallon container.  To get the facts about the new recycling carts, view a Frequently Asked Question (FAQ) flyer, or a reminder about what exactly can be recycled each week, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recycling.

Fort Ward Ad Hoc Advisory Group Seeks Public Comment on Draft Report
The City of Alexandria’s Ad Hoc Fort Ward Park and Museum Area Stakeholder Advisory Group is seeking public comment on the draft report and recommendations prepared by the advisory group. The Ad Hoc Advisory Group, established by City Council and appointed by the City Manager, began their one-year term in December 2009, and has spent the past 10 months developing recommendations for the City’s management and planning at Fort Ward Park, including the museum area. The deadline to submit comments is Sunday, November 21, 2010. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.

City of Alexandria Seeks Comment on Proposal to Name Park to Honor Ruby Tucker
The City of Alexandria is seeking public comment on a proposal to name the park property located at 3500 Jefferson Davis Highway “Ruby Tucker Park” (end of Lynhaven Drive and Jefferson Davis Highway). The proposal was forwarded by the Lynhaven Citizens Association in response to Ruby Tucker’s tireless advocacy for their neighborhood as well as Alexandria’s children and underserved populations. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.

City of Alexandria Seeks Artist Proposals to Exhibit Work in City Galleries
The Alexandria Commission for the Arts and the Office of the Arts seek artist proposals to exhibit their work in one of the City galleries.  Proposals will be accepted from individual artists, consortia of artists, and organizations who work and/or live within the City of Alexandria through November 10, 2010. All works must be original and only two-dimensional works will be accepted. No entry fee required. The deadline to submit proposals is Wednesday, November 10. Selected artists will be notified by November 22, 2010. For additional information on the City Galleries Program, contact Cheryl Anne Colton at 703.746.5565 or by email at cherylann.colton@alexandriava.gov.

City of Alexandria in Search of 2010 Holiday Tree
The City of Alexandria is once again in search of a Colorado Blue Spruce, Leyland Cypress or other well-formed evergreen tree, approximately 25 to 35 feet tall, to serve as the City’s official 2010 Holiday Tree. The City will remove the tree from the donor’s property in mid-November and grind the stump at no cost. The tree will be decorated and displayed at Market Square, 301 King St., throughout the holiday season. Persons in the Washington metropolitan area who are interested in donating a tree should call John Noelle, City Arborist, at 703.746.5499 or email john.noelle@alexandriava.gov.

WEEKLY EVENT ANNOUNCEMENTS FOR ALEXANDRIA NOV 6^th – 12^th

Saturday, November 6 – Veterans Day Soldier-Led Walking Tours
In recognition of Veterans Day, a Union soldier in period uniform will lead two free walking tours of Fort Ward Historic Site, 4301 West Braddock Rd. The 90-minute tours are scheduled for 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and will introduce visitors to the history of the Defenses of Washington, the building and role of Fort Ward, 19th century fortification engineering, and the troops who were stationed in this area during the Civil War. Walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. For more information, visit www.fortward.org or call 703.746.4848.

Saturday, November 6 – Book Signing and Discussion at Alexandria Library
Three authors will be signing recent books and discussing upcoming works at the Alexandria Library, 717 Queen St., from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Michael Lee Pope, author of Ghosts of Alexandria, and George Kundahl, author of Bravest of the Brave: Correspondence of Stephen Dodson Ramsuer, will be signing copies. Barb Winters will discuss her upcoming book Letters from Virginia. The event is free and open to the public. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 703.746.1706.

Saturday, November 6 – Swordsmen’s Rendezvous
En garde! Experience the Swordsmen’s Rendezvous, a unique living history program at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Learn a skill all 18th century gentlemen must know – swordplay! The program includes re-enactment of 18th century swordplay and a display of 18th century weapons. This popular family and Scout event will include some audience participation as you practice your newfound talents. Price is $6 per person, ages 5 and up. Tours are from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and last about one hour. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 703.746.4242. For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org.

Monday, November 8 – 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 Mondays, 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, please visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.746.4242.

Thursday, November 11 – Free Flu Vaccine Clinic
Alexandria City Public Schools School Health Services, in partnership with the Alexandria Health Department and Medical Reserve Corps, will be offering a free flu vaccine clinic from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King St., in the Auxiliary Gymnasium. Only injectable vaccine will be available at this event. Children age 4 and above may receive the vaccine at this clinic as long as they are accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. For more information, contact Robin Wallin, ACPS Health Services Coordinator, at 703.824.6650 or Cyndi Lake, Emergency Planner, at 703.746.4977.

Thursday, November 11 – Veterans Day Program
Celebrate the African American men and women who fought for our country at the annual Veterans Day program from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street. Sponsored by the Alexandria Branch of the NAACP, the program includes speakers, music and a visual tribute to local veterans. Reservations are requested but not required to attend this free event. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.746.4356.

Coming Soon

Saturday, November 13 – Top of the Town Walk Around
Join Mayor William D. Euille’s “Get Healthy Alexandria!” initiative for the “Top of the Town Walk Around” from 8 a.m. to noon at the Masonic Memorial Temple at 101 Callahan Dr. In addition to the Mayor, Vice Mayor Donley, Rep. Moran, and the Wounded Warriors will be walking in honor of our veterans. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the walk is scheduled to start at 9 a.m. Activities after the walk include awards and raffles. The event is free and open to everyone. For more information, visit www.healthieralexandria.org/healthylifestyles.

Saturday, November 13 – “The Principal Story” Film Screening
See “The Principal Story” at 4:30 p.m. at the Alexandria Black History Museum (902 Wythe St.) and find out the difference a dedicated principal can make in public schools. Tresa Dunbar is a principal at Chicago’s Nash Elementary, where 98% of students come from low income families. In Springfield, Illinois, Kerry Purcell has led Harvard Park Elementary, a school with similar demographics, for six years. This free screening is part of Movies with a Mission, a series of films about the African Diaspora that seek to inform and inspire dialogue. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.746.4356.

Saturday, November 13 and Sunday, November 14 – Tea with Martha Washington
Ever wonder how the first First Lady entertained her guests? What is the proper way to hold a teacup with no handles? Find out at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum (134 North Royal Street) as Martha Washington discusses 18th century tea customs as well as clothing and dancing of the period. This 18th century tea, scheduled from 3 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., is ideal for families and Girls Scouts. Treat yourself to the museum’s special blend of tea, pound cake, dried fruit, and assortment of cookies. Party attire is requested and tickets are $25 per person. For more information, visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.746.4242.

Monday, November 15 – America Recycles Day
Celebrate America Recycles Day on November 15 by taking the America Recycles Day pledge throughout the month of November. Residents who take the pledge will be entered into a regional prize drawing. For more information about the City’s role in America Recycles Day, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recycling.

Saturday, November 20 – Mercury Drop-off
The City of Alexandria and Covanta Energy invite residents to drop off mercury-containing devices between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. at the City’s household hazardous waste collection center located at 3224 Colvin St. Residents and city-based HVAC contractors are invited to drop off mercury-containing measuring devices to prevent hazardous waste from being disposed of improperly. For more information, visit the City’s Household Hazardous Waste website.

Ongoing

Style and Identity: Black Alexandria in the 1970s, Portraits by Horace Day
At the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 S. Wythe St., view this new exhibition of 32 paintings by Horace Day featuring Alexandria street scenes and portraits of African American Alexandrians. Described as an American scene or regional painter, Day created this body of work at a time when “Black” was becoming “Beautiful,” but when media still promoted stereotypical, demeaning images of African Americans. Day’s portraits reflect the dignity and beauty he saw in his subjects. Museum is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Suggested admission is $2. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.746.4356.

Assist in the Restoration of the City’s Tree Canopy
The City of Alexandria experienced the loss of hundreds of trees and extensive damage throughout the City as a result of winter snow and summer thunderstorms in 2010. Residents who want to help replenish the City’s tree canopy have a variety of options available. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation for more information.

City of Alexandria Farmers’ Markets
The City of Alexandria is host to a variety of farmers’ markets, including the Old Town Farmers’ Market and Del Ray Farmers’ Market on Saturday; the West End Farmers’ Market and Four Mile Run Farmers’ and Artisans’ Market on Sunday; and the Upper King Street Fresh Farmers’ Market on Wednesday. Markets feature colorful displays of fresh, locally grown, in-season vegetables and fruit, gourmet coffee, fresh squeezed orange juice, meat, bakery items and artisans. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/farmersmarket.