ALEXANDRIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
MEDIA SERVICES UNIT
2003 MILL ROAD
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA 22314-4658
703-838-4636

NEWS RELEASE
FEBRUARY 4, 2011 #11-007
9:30 A.M. DONALDSON

Update:  Alexandria Police Make Arrests in Rash of Residential Burglaries

Alexandria Detectives have arrested three men responsible for a string of burglaries that plagued the Northeast area of the City over the last month.  Demarious L. White, 19, Cordell A. Walker, 19, and Deshawn L. Strattman, 18, all Alexandria City residents, have been charged with Burglary, Grand Larceny and Larceny with the Intent to Sell.  These charges stem from burglaries in the 100 block of Sanborn Place, the 100 block of E. Uhler Avenue and the 600 block of North Alfred Street.  The suspects are being held at the Adult Detention Center without bond.

As soon as police identified the emerging crime pattern of these burglaries, a comprehensive plan was immediately designed and implemented.  The plan’s intent was to disrupt the criminal activity and apprehend those responsible.  This plan included increased patrol, the use of specialty units to do surveillance and foot patrol and the usage of sign boards in the effected neighborhoods.  Liaison officers attended civic and community meetings, disseminated crime prevention materials and offered home security assessments to residents.  All of these efforts were in collaboration with the hard working detectives in the Criminal Investigations Section.  Ultimately, detectives developed a lead in the cases which led to the arrest of these suspects.

This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges or suspects may be pending.  If anyone has additional information about these cases or the suspects involved please call Detective Julie Goble of the Criminal Investigations Section at 703.838.4082 or via email at Julie.goble@alexandriava.gov or the Crime Solvers tip line at 703.838.4858.

Detectives would like to remind witnesses that they can remain anonymous.

Alexandria Police Investigate Residential Burglaries and Larcenies from Autos

The Alexandria Police Department has seen an increase in residential burglaries and larcenies from autos over the last month, especially in the Del Ray section of the City.  The residential burglaries have occurred during the daytime hours, usually between 12:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.  The suspect(s) have been using force to gain entry into rear or side doors.  Laptops, jewelry, televisions and cash are the items mostly targeted.

All but one of the homes was unoccupied at the time of the burglaries.  In that case, a resident in the 200 block of W. Windsor Avenue was in an upstairs office when she heard a banging on a door downstairs.  When she went to investigate the noise, she came face to face with the suspect who then ran out a rear door.  The victim was not injured and nothing was taken from the residence.

The suspect is described as a black male, approximately five feet six inches tall, weighing 150 pounds.  He was wearing a puffy jacket with a hooded sweatshirt and dark jeans.

Between January 9 and January 11, there were also six larcenies from autos in the Del Ray area of the City.  All of the vehicles were left unlocked and most were parked in the victim’s driveway.  The suspect(s) took loose coins from the interior of the vehicles.

To decrease the chances of becoming a victim of a larceny from your automobile, the police department reminds everyone to remove all valuable items from the vehicle and lock all doors and windows, even when parked in your own driveway.

Also, when leaving a residence for any period of time, lock all doors and windows and set the alarm if one is available.  Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or suspicious persons by calling the Police Department at 703.838.4444.

Incorporating any or all of these suggestions will help deter thefts and decrease your chances of becoming a victim.

CORA KELLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Just in time for Valentine’s Day!  February is Cora Kelly Elementary’s “For the Love of Reading Month.”  Come out to CK for a night of fun, do some shopping for your Valentine(s), and support the CK PTA’s efforts to support programs for CK students and teachers.  This year is a tough year for us — the playground is a really big lift, and we still have our normal annual support activities going on
– but we can do it with your help!

Last year many of you did come, and we had a great night and a terrific Book Fair overall, so come again, and help us make 2011 even better!   It really is fun — tons of books for all ages — kid to grown-up.  You can’t lose with books — they make wonderful gifts that everyone loves.  So if you are stumped for a
Valentine’s gift idea, worry no more!

The fair is open all week, so drop in any time, but Thursday night is the big night — hope to see you there!  February 10, 6-8PM, 3600 Commonwealth Ave, in the Library.

February is “For the Love of Reading” Month at ACPS’s Cora Kelly Elementary School for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math.

The PTA is just now kicking off a CK Valentine Sale with cards made from student artwork — I think you will really like them!   See attached PDF for pictures and details.

10 cards for $10 — quite a bargain if you have bought notecards recently, and your purchase goes directly to support CK programs for students and teachers.

You can pre-order now and pick up at your convenience, or buy at the Bookfair coming up week of February 7-11 if any are left.  Quantities are limited, so act fast!

Email me at ckpta@corakelly.org if interested, and PLEASE share — these cards really will make great Valentines, or a special gift for someone special.

Thanks, ashley chappell
CK PTA Treasurer
ckpta@corakelly.org

CPSC EXTENDS STAY OF ENFORCEMENT

CPSC Extends Stay of Enforcement for Testing and Certification of Lead Content in Children’s Products Until December 31, 2011

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) voted 4-1 on January 31, 2011 to extend the stay of enforcement for testing and certification of lead content in children’s products (except for metal components of children’s metal jewelry) until December 31, 2011.

2011 APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED TAX RELIEF

More Information:

• Tax Relief Web Site

The City of Alexandria has begun mailing applications and certifications for the City’s Tax Relief Programs for the Elderly and/or Totally and Permanently Disabled to all previous participants and those who have requested applications.  If you are at least 65 years of age or permanently and totally disabled by November 15, 2011, you may qualify for a full or partial exemption from and/or deferral of your 2011 real estate taxes and/or an exemption from your 2011 personal property taxes on one vehicle.

Please note that qualification in a previous year does not guarantee eligibility for the current year.  If a participant’s household income or assets have risen since last year, he or she may become ineligible or may be eligible only for a smaller exemption than last year.

For more information or to obtain an application, please visit www.alexandriava.gov/taxrelief or contact Tax Services at taxrelief@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.3901, Option 6.

Si necesita ayuda en Español, por favor llame al 703.746.3907

For more information, contact Jennifer Harris, Communications Officer, Office of Communications, at 703.746.3961 or jennifer.harris@alexandriava.gov

ALEXANDRIA PTAC CAMP FAIR

You are enthusiastically invited to visit the 2011 Alexandria PTA Council Summer Camp Fair! Wednesday, March 2, 5:30pm – 8:00pm, at TCW Minnie Howard Campus Cafeteria (3801 W Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA  22302)

At least 50 camps will be represented:  day, overnight, coed/all boy/all girl, traditional, adventure, special needs, sports, academics, travel – you name it!

Pizza available for purchase / Printed directories available to first 250 attendees

For more information, contact Marianne Hetzer at alexcampfair@comcast.net or 703-823-3367.

POTOMAC YARD METRORAIL STATION ENVIRONMENT IMPACT STATEMENT SCOPING MEETING

The Federal Transit Administration (FTA), in cooperation with the City of Alexandria, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), and the National Park Service (NPS), is initiating the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for a proposed Metrorail Station in Potomac Yard.  The public is invited to attend one of two meetings to learn about the proposed Potomac Yard Metrorail EIS process; ask questions; and comment on the purpose and need for the project, alternatives considered, key issues to be studied, and the public and agency coordination process.  No RSVP is required and all members of the public are welcome.

For more information, visit  www.potomacyardmetro.com or contact Sandra Marks, Division Chief, Transportation Planning, sandra.marks@alexandriava.gov

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Meeting I:  4:30 – 6 p.m.
Meeting II: 6:30 – 8 p.m.

Cora Kelly Recreation Center
25 West Reed Avenue
Alexandria, VA

(Snow date February 15, 2011)

HAPPENINGS IN DEL RAY

STUDIO BODY LOGIC – AUTHENTIC PILATES – By popular demand!  Mom/Daughter Workshop this Saturday, February 5, from 130 to 245 pm, $40 a pair, ages 8-14 ideally. Great for posture, ice skating, ballet and bonding… Call 703.739.7601 to register.  2417 Mount Vernon Avenue, www.studiobodylogic.com .

DEL RAY CENTRAL - is offering 2 months free up front on several one and two bedroom floor plans, as well as $500.00 of the first full month’s rent if the prospective renter leases by 2/28/2011. All inquiries can be emailed to delraycentral@kettler.com, or call 571.312.8138 for more information.

KISKADEE – 2205 Mt Vernon Ave – www.kiskadeeshop.com Kiskadee will be closed on Monday, February 7th for system upgrades.   We will re-open under our normal schedule on Tuesday, February 8th.  We apologize for any inconvenience!  Come see us for our final close-out of Winter Apparel — 60-80% off!

DEL RAY ARTISANS – [1] Opening reception for Love Letters exhibit on Friday, Feb 4, 7–10 pm, show runs thru Feb 27; [2] Duo Mixed-Media Workshop, Saturday 2/5/11, 12-2 pm. Transform your unusual or everyday items into something amazing, register ASAP; [3] Valentine’s Day Mixer, Monday 2/14, 7–11 pm, register now.  Location:  2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301. www.TheDelRayArtisans.org, 703.838.4827.

ULTIMATE RESULTS – Personal Training and Weight loss center is offering Metabolic Testing and Body Impedance Analysis (BIA) for $29 from 2/1/2011 to 2/14/2011. 2305 Mt. Vernon Ave. www.DelRayVA.com. 703-678-8500.

DEL RAY PERFORMING ARTS CENTER – Free Scholarship Available for 2 children. “No Small Parts” (Grades 2 – 5) An introduction to basic acting skills, character creation, and fun! Students will develop their actor’s tools by experimenting with different techniques, and working as an ensemble. Schedule: February 7th- Apr 4th 4-6pm. 9 weeks. Please email sattix@delrayperformingartscenter.com or call (703) 402 4598 Location 2405 Mt Vernon Ave 22301

MIND THE MAT PILATES & YOGA – 2214 Mt. Vernon Avenue. http://mindthemat. com/; Hula Hoop 4-Week Workshop Starts Saturday, 2/5, 2 PM.  Align Your Practice Yoga Workshop this Sunday, 2/6, 2 PM.  Free Kids’ Yoga Demo Tuesday, 2/8 4:30.  More Info/Sign Up. Questions? Contact info@mindthemat.com.

ST. STEPHEN’S & ST. AGNES SCHOOL – Prospective Families – Join us for the Upper School Admission Visiting Day on February 7 from 8:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m. This is a unique opportunity for prospective students to shadow current Upper School students for a day of classes on our Upper School campus. Call 703-212-2706 for more information or visit www.sssas.org.

CITY OF ALEXANDRIA

OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS AND EVENTS

Saturday, February 5 – Free Tax Preparation for Low-Income Residents Begins
Free tax preparation assistance is available to low-income residents beginning February 5 and continuing through April 13 at the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services, 2525 Mount Vernon Ave. Low-income City residents can get help filing federal and state income tax returns and applying for all applicable credits and deductions on Saturday mornings beginning at 9 a.m. and Wednesday evenings beginning at 6:30 p.m. Spanish-speaking preparers will be available. To request a reasonable disability accommodation or to receive materials in an alternative format, contact Suzanne Kratzok, Coordinator of Community Resources, at 703.746.5663 (703.836.1493 TTY) at least 48 hours prior to the session you wish to attend.

Tuesday, February 8 – Community Meeting on Proposed Lighting Improvements at Hammond Middle School
The public is invited to attend a community meeting to learn about proposed field lighting at the Hammond Middle School athletic field. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium of Hammond Middle School, 4646 Seminary Rd. In the event of inclement weather that closes Alexandria City Public Schools, the alternate meeting date is Tuesday, February 15. For more information, contact Bob Barusefski at 703.674.1381 or e-mail bob.barusefski@kimley-horn.com.

Thursday, February 10 – Potomac Yard Metrorail Station Environmental Scoping Meeting
The Federal Transit Administration, in cooperation with the City of Alexandria, the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, and the National Park Service, is initiating the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement for a proposed Metrorail Station in Potomac Yard. On February 10, residents may attend one of two meetings to learn about the process; ask questions; and comment on the alternatives considered, key issues, and the coordination process. Both meetings will be held at Cora Kelly Recreation Center, 25 W. Reed Ave., with the first meeting scheduled from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. and the second meeting scheduled from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.potomacyardmetro.com.

Friday, February 11 – City Boards, Commissions, and Committees Application Deadline
The Alexandria City Council is seeking applicants to fill the several vacancies on City of Alexandria boards, commissions and committees. Council will act on these vacancies at the February 22, 2011 City Council meeting. All applicants must complete a Personal Data Record Form and return it to the City Clerk’s Office or file the form electronically online no later than 5 p.m. on Friday, February 11, 2011. Applications received after this deadline will not be forwarded to City Council.

Nominations for the 2011 Salute to Women Awards
Nominations are currently being accepted for the 2011 Salute to Women Awards through February 24.  The awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to improving the lives of women and girls in Alexandria. Save the date for Monday, March 28, when the awards will be presented at the Salute to Women banquet. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/Women or call Sarah Watson or Lisa Baker at 703.746.5030.

Nominations for Naming Rooms at the Charles Houston Recreation Center
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, seeks nominations of honorees for a second round of dedications.  In 2009, the Committee facilitated the naming of the center’s gymnasium and pool. Nominations must be received in person or postmarked by Tuesday, March 1, 2011. For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.

Applications for Tax Relief for Elderly and/or Totally Disabled Persons Available
Staff has mailed all applications and/or certifications for tax relief to all current program participants and anyone who has requested being placed on the mailing list. As of February 1, any other resident interested in applying for real estate and/or personal property tax relief for the elderly and/or totally disabled may obtain program information and an application by visiting www.alexandriava.gov/taxrelief, e-mailing taxrelief@alexandriava.gov or calling 703.746.3901 and choosing option 6.

Saturday, February 5 – Green Building Workshop Series
Attend the first Eco-City Alexandria Green Building Workshop to learn do-it-yourself improvements that save energy and increase comfort for your home, apartment or small business. The workshop is scheduled from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Sister Cities Conference Room 1101 at City Hall, 301 King Street. A raffle for an energy efficient door prize will occur at the end of the workshop. For more information, call the Office of Environmental Quality at 703.746.4065 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/Eco-City. RSVP to erica.bannerman@alexandriava.gov to reserve your space at the workshop. To learn more about the City’s green building initiatives, visit www.alexandriava.gov/GreenBuilding.

Saturday, February 5 – Recruiting Day
If you’re interested in portraying the lives of persons who experienced the Civil War, don’t miss Recruiting Day at Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Rd.  From noon to 3 p.m., soldiers and civilians of the 3rd U.S. Regular Infantry, Company K, will be on hand to talk about a soldier’s uniform and equipment, demonstrate drills, and explain the roles of military and civilian reenactors. At this free event, visitors can also inquire about how to join local reenactment units and learn what kind of clothing and equipment a novice reenactor requires. For more information, visit www.fortward.org or call 703.746.4848.

Saturday, February 5 – “Family Faces, Family Place Workshop
Bring in your family photographs to an informal, free workshop that will help you learn how to develop your family tree.  Join historian Elaine Hawes as she guides you through the process of deconstructing old family photographs to gain new insights into your family’s past.  Learn about clues offered by different photographic processes, clothing styles, poses, and accessories that can help you put a date, and maybe an identity, to your old photos and offer insights about your ancestors’ lives. The workshop is hosted by Alexandria Library’s Special Collections Department, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at Barrett Branch Library. For more information, please call 703.746.1706.

Saturday, February 5 – Black History Month Children’s Program: Play Date with Pride
Culture Kingdom Kids, a mobile cultural arts program that produces children’s events with a cultural twist, presents Play Date with Pride at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Celebrate Black History Month at this interactive workshop for children ages 5 to 12 and enjoy hands-on creativity such as storytelling, crafts, and music and dance activities. Parents must accompany children, and reservations recommended. Cost is $5 per child. For more information, visit www.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.746.4356.

Monday, February 7 – 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 April 25 any time between 10:30 a.m. and noon. 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.

Tuesday, February 8 — SBDC Business Financing Seminar
The Small Business Development Center will offer a seminar on “Business Financing” as part of its Start, Manage, Grow series. The seminar will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St.  Admission is free, but registration is required.  For more information, call 703.778.1292 or visit www.alexandriasbdc.org.

Wednesday, February 9 – Parent Workshop: It’s Never Too Early or Too Late to Talk to Your Kids
A workshop on the topic “It’s Never Too Early or Too Late to Talk to Your Kids: Preventing Risky Behaviors – Teen Pregnancy, Substance Use, and Gang Involvement” will be held from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at George Washington Middle School Media Center, 1005 Mt. Vernon Ave. Registration is required.  For more information, contact Becky at 703.746.5030 or rebecca.griesse@alexandriava.gov.

Thursday, February 10 – 30th Anniversary of Alexandria’s Battered Women’s Shelter
Please join the Friends of the Commission for Women in commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Alexandria Battered Women’s Shelter, by enjoying Alexandria’s MetroStage performance of “His Eye is on the Sparrow” by Larry Parr, and directed by Gary Yates. A reception kicks off the event at 6:30 p.m., the performance will begin at 7:30 p.m., and a live auction will take place during intermission. Tickets are $75 ($40 of which is tax deductible), and proceeds will benefit the Alexandria Domestic Violence Program. Visit the website for event information and online ticket purchases. If you have questions, please e-mail friendsofalexwomen@gmail.com.

Thursday, February 10 – 18th Century Dance Class
In preparation for the Birthnight Ball on February 19, learn 18th-century English country dancing from expert dance instructor at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Class is 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and costs $12 per class or $30 for the series of three. For more information, please visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.746.4242.

Wednesday, February 16 & March 2 – Speak Up, Take ACTion Town Hall Meetings
Want to improve the quality of life in Alexandria? Speak up! ACT for Alexandria, the City of Alexandria, Partnership for a Healthy Alexandria, and Virginia Tech are partnering to develop a better way to inform key decisions in Alexandria – through “quality of life indicators.”  Quality of life indicators are the answers to the question, “What matters most to the people who live in Alexandria?” Save the date for upcoming Town Hall meetings on Wednesday, February 9, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at William Ramsay Recreation Center and Wednesday, February 16, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Charles Houston Recreation Center. Beginning February 7, you can also take five minutes to vote online with ACTion Alexandria at www.actionalexandria.org. For more information, visit www.healthieralexandria.org

Saturday – Monday, February 19-21 – George Washington Birthday Parade & Weekend Festivities
You won’t want to miss the largest parade in the country celebrating the nation’s first president, which takes place on Washington’s Birthday holiday, Monday, February 21, 1 to 3 p.m. in Old Town Alexandria. The parade in one highlight of many events, including an historic reenactment at Fort Ward Park, the Birthnight Banquet & Ball at Gadsby’s Tavern, a 10-K race, a 1-mile race just before the parade, plus free open houses at historic attractions. Visit www.Washingtonbirthday.Net/events for a complete schedule of events. Call 703.746.3301 or visit www.VisitAlexandriaVA.com for more information on entertainment, shopping, dining and nightlife in Alexandria.

Community Emergency Response Team Training
The Alexandria Office of Emergency Management offers residents of the City of Alexandria the opportunity to join with other concerned members of the community to be trained as a member of the Community Emergency Response Team (CERT).  The CERT program teaches City residents how to help themselves and their neighbors increase their neighborhoods’ disaster readiness by performing essential tasks that aid in disaster recovery and response. The training is free. For more information, call Kim Purcell at 703.746.5259 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/CERT.

Domestic Violence Support Group
Are you a victim of verbal, emotional, or physical abuse from your partner? Don’t suffer alone, join a support group where you can learn tools that will keep you safe and empowered. The support group meets every Tuesday evening and child care is provided. For more information, call 703.746.4911 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/DomesticViolence.

City of Alexandria Farmers’ Markets
The City of Alexandria is host to the Old Town Farmers’ Market and Del Ray Farmers’ Market every Saturday. The 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.

Open through May 1 – “Patriotic and Public Spirited” Commemorative Wares in George Washington’s Hometown
Alexandria prides itself on being the hometown of George Washington and Robert E. Lee, and historic events such as George Washington’s Birthnight Ball and Lafayette’s 1824 visit to Alexandria were cause for great celebration. This exhibition of commemorative ceramic wares, recovered from archaeological excavations or preserved in collections, shows the community’s interest in events and historic places of local and national significance. The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum (201 South Washington Street) is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703.746.4994.

Open through May 7 – 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.

POTOMAC YARD DEVELOPMENT MEETING

All community members interested in the Potomac Yard Development and seeking an introduction to the history, planning, and development of Potomac Yard are invited to a presentation by City staff titled, “Potomac Yard 101″. The presentation will be given on Wednesday, February 9 at 7:30pm in the Sister Cities Conference Room at City Hall. Any inquiries can be directed to Gwen Wright or Colleen Willger at 703.746.4666.