THIS IS TONIGHT!

POTOMAC YARD METROLRAIL 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

FOUR MILE RUN JOINT TASK FORCE COMMUNITY MEETING & OPEN HOUSE

On Monday, February 28, 2011, there will be a Four Mile Run Joint Task Force Community Meeting & Open House.  The meeting will be held at 7:00PM at the Fairlington Community Center (3308 S. Stafford Street, Arlington, VA).  The purpose of this meeting is to provide the public and the Joint Task Force with an opportunity to review and comment on the 60%-90% designs for in-stream restoration of Four Mile Run.  The consultant engineers and staff from Alexandria and Arlington will be in attendance to discuss the designs, phasing, costs and answer questions.

For additional information please access the following resources:
Staff:
Dana Wedeles (RPCA) at 703-746-5491
Claudia Hamblin-Katnik (TES) at 703- 746-4068
Brandi D. Collins (PZ) at 703-746-4666

Project Websites:
Northern Virginia Regional Commission: http://www.novaregion.org/index.aspx?NID=214

City of Alexandria: http://alexandriava.gov/planning/info/default.aspx?id=14042

PUBLIC HEARING TO RECEIVE PUBLIC COMMENT ON THE PROPOSED

SITE PLAN ON THE FOUR MILE RUN PARK EXPANSION

The Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission will hold a public hearing on Thursday, February 17, 7 p.m. at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center located at 2701 Commonwealth Ave.

The purpose of the public hearing is to obtain public comment on the proposed site plan on the Four Mile Run Park Expansion. After discussion on the proposed Four Mile Run Park expansion, the Commission will hear comments from City residents on any other park and recreation related issue not previously discussed in a public hearing by the Commission. The regular meeting of the Commission will follow.

The proposed park expansion includes the four open space parcels at 4109-4125 Mount Vernon Avenue which were purchased in 2007 in accordance with the City of Alexandria’s Open Space Master Plan through the Open Space Fund. The Arlandria Small Area Plan and Four Mile Run Restoration Master Plan both anticipated the use of this property as public open space with uses that expand the adjacent Four Mile Run Park.

Individuals who are unable to attend the public hearing can view the proposed site plan www.alexandriva.gov/recreation, and send written comments to the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities, Attention: Laura Durham, Open Space Coordinator, 1108 Jefferson St., Alexandria, VA 22314, or e-mail laura.durham@alexandriava.gov. The deadline to submit comments is Thursday, February 17, 2011.

THIS IS TONIGHT!

CORA KELLY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Just in time for Valentine’s Day!  February is Cora Kelly Elementary School’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!

10 cards for $10 — quite a bargain if you have bought note-cards 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

ALEXANDRIA POLICE REMINDS RESIDENTS TO NEVER LEAVE A

VEHICLE UNATTENDED WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING

The Alexandria Police Department has seen an increase in vehicles stolen while left unattended with the engine running.  Since January 1, six vehicles left unlocked, unattended and with the engine running have been stolen.  Most of the vehicles were taken from apartment complex parking lots.  A few were stolen while parked on the street.  In all of the cases, the vehicles were left running by the driver, to warm up from the cold weather.  Two of the six vehicles have been recovered.

The vehicles were taken from the following areas:
• 800 Block of Four Mile Road
• 5700 Block of Edsall Road
• 300 Block of S. Van Dorn Street
• 1600 Block of N. Quaker Lane
• 400 Block of N. Armistead Street
• 4300 Block of Duke Street

The Police Department does not recommend ever leaving a running vehicle unattended.  If residents leave a vehicle running to warm up, taking some precautions can help prevent this opportunistic crime from occurring and might decrease the risk of having your vehicle stolen.

• Take an extra set of keys with you and lock your vehicle while it is warming up.
• Move the vehicle so that it is in plain view and you see it at all times.
• Park in areas that are highly visible and well lit.
• If available, set the vehicle’s alarm while leaving the engine running.
• Remember to remove all valuable items from the vehicle and lock all doors and windows, even when parked in your own driveway.

Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious activity or suspicious persons by calling the Police Department at 703.838.4444.

2011 APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR ELDERLY AND DISABLED TAX RELIEF

FOR ADDITIONAL 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.

ALEXANDRIA LOCAL MOTION eNEWS

SCHEDULE ALERT: DASH buses will be running a Saturday Service schedule for Presidents Day

DASH BUS APPRECIATION

Thankful commuters took time to praise DASH for remaining steadfast during our most recent snow storm.  To read more click HERE

A recent study published by the Texas Transportation Institute at Texas A&M University, analyzed traffic congestion in 439 U.S. urban areas and the D.C. region is the worst for time and money lost due to traffic congestion.  To read more click HERE

Metrorail will conduct significant safety and reliability work on the Blue, Orange and Red rail lines to comply with National Transportation Safety Board recommendations during the Presidents Day Holiday Weekend, causing some temporary service changes for customers that will mean a safer, smoother ride once the work is complete.

There are 7 different ticket options that can be used on VRE – Monthly passes (unlimited rides in a calendar month), Five-Day passes (valid for 5 consecutive service days), Ten-trip tickets (ten single trips that don’t have to be used consecutively), Single-ride tickets (this is a single-one-way ride), discounted tickets (for seniors, disabled, and youths under 21), a special Transit Link Card (TLC) ticket that offers unlimited VRE and Metro usage for a calendar month, and the Free Ride Certificate (FRC).  To Read More Click HERE

Join the Telework Exchange for Telework Week, a nationwide effort to encourage agencies, organizations, and individuals to pledge to telework on February 14-18, 2011. Sign up now!  For more information click HERE

WABA’s Smart Cycling webpage has loads of valuable information on how to become a safer bicyclist. To read more click HERE

Local Motion, the City of Alexandria’s program for decreasing congestion and increasing mobility has a great program that will pay your application and annual membership fees when you sign up for Zipcar – our areas membership-based car sharing company that provides automobile reservations to its members that are billable by the hour or day.  To learn more click HERE

HAPPENINGS IN DEL RAY

A SHOW OF HANDS – will be open from 11am to 7pm on Monday the 14th, Valentine’s Day featuring a great selection of Valentine’s Day cards, handmade jewelry, clay roses, pralines and more. 2301 Mt. Vernon Avenue, 703-683-2905, www.ashowofhands.biz

DEL RAY CENTRAL – is currently offering one yar of free basic cable to anyone who leases in the month of Februrary. Contact Vini Kovach for more information at 571-312-8148. Located at 3051 Mt. Vernon Avenue, www.delrayapts.com.

ST. ELMO’S COFFEE PUB – participating in Annual George Washington Cherry Challenge Feb. 6-12, please come in and try our cherry cheese turnovers and White chocolate cherry drink and then vote for us. We would win a chance to participate in Parade. www.Stelmoscoffeepub.com

DEL RAY ARTISANS – [1] Gesture Drawing Workshop, Wednesday, 2/16, 6:30-9:30 pm; [2] Open call for entries, Beyond Form:  Expressing Art, artwork due 2/27.  Location:  2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301. www.TheDelRayArtisans.org, 703.838.4827

YOGA IN DAILY LIFE – Now until 2 p.m., Saturday, February 12, take advantage of our 2-4-1 Valentine’s Special for the next six-week session of yoga/meditation classes.  Register two people for the price of one class at our $75 pre-registration discount rate.  Our next six-week session begins Valentine’s Day, Monday, February 14.  Location:  2402 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA, www.yogaindailylifeus.org, 703-299-8946.

THE UPSSTORE IN DEL RAY – is having a NEW MAILBOX SALE now thru the end of February. 12-month rental yields 3 extra months free, 6-month rental yields 2 extra months free. www.theupsstorelocal.com/4244. 703.739.9100. 2308 Mt Vernon Avein between St. Elmo’s and the Dairy Godmother.

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

ULTIMATE RESULTS – Valentine Special from February 8th to February 20th. Join with a Friend or Partner and Save 50%! Buy any package & receive the second package at 50% off. 2305 Mt.Vernon Ave, Del Ray Va. 22301.703-678-8500.

FIREFLIES – Live Music – 10 Feb – Matthew Tarka; 11 Feb – JRaud; 12 Feb – Steve Tibbits (proceeds to go to The Carpenter’s Shelter) 1501 Mt. Vernon Avenue. Details at www.firefliesdelray.com

MIND THE MAT PILATES & YOGA – 2214 Mt. Vernon Avenue. http://mindthemat. com/; Valentine’s Couple’s Yoga Workshop: Saturday, February 12, 5-6:15 PM, $35 per couple.  For singles and couples: Heart Opening Hot Yoga, Monday, February 14, 7:30-9:30 PM, $25.  More Info/Sign Up. Questions? Contact info@mindthemat. Com

COMMONWEALTH BAPTIST CHURCH – 700 Commonwealth Ave., celebrates 4th Annual Nancy Foil Month of Women Preaching, Sunday mornings at 11am during the month of February.  This year we have an exciting and diverse line up of women preachers.  Details on each speaker can be found at www.commonwealthbaptistchurch.org.  We believe God speaks through women, and we hope that you’ll join us on for this special celebration.