SCHEDULE OF SERVICES FOR GEORGE WASHINGTON’S BIRTHDAY

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST

All Alexandria City government offices will be closed on Monday, February 21 in observance of George Washington’s Birthday (also known as Presidents Day).

Additionally:

Health Facilities: The Alexandria Health Department (4480 King St.), the Flora Krause Casey Health Center (1200 N. Howard St.) and the Teen Wellness Center at T.C. Williams High School (3330 King St.) will be closed.

Hotlines: All emergency hotlines operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including the child protective services hotline, 703.746.5800, the domestic violence hotline, 703.746.4911, the emergency services for mental health or substance abuse crisis hotline, 703.746.3401, and the sexual assault hotline, 703.683.7273.

Libraries: All Alexandria Library branches will be closed.

Parking: The Alexandria Police Department will suspend enforcement of parking restrictions at metered spaces, as well as time restrictions in residential permit parking districts and other areas with signed parking time limits.

Recreation Centers: Alexandria recreation centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., except Chinquapin Recreation Center, which will be open from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Refuse Collection: Residential refuse and recycling will not be collected on February 21. Collection services will be delayed by one day during the week of February 21. The Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Collections Drop-off Center will be closed on February 21.

Schools: The Alexandria City Public Schools will be closed.

State Offices: The General District Court, the Circuit Court, and the Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court will all be closed. In addition, the DMV Office at 2681 Mill Rd. will be closed.

Transit: Alexandria Transit Company’s DASH bus service will operate on a Saturday schedule.

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

NOMINATIONS FOR NAMING ROOMS AT THE CHARLES HOUSTON RECREATION CENTER

TUESDAY, MARCH 1ST

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 recreation center gymnasium and pool.

Specifically, the Committee seeks nominees who fit the following criteria: People who participated in the struggle to advance African Americans economically, socially, educationally, and religiously from the 1920s to 1965, who have made

• a doctrinal or technical contribution
• an innovation with an identifiable impact on Alexandria’s African American community
• efforts that were an inspiration to others
• any combination of the above that records the excellence of their achievements for posterity

The goal of the committee, composed mostly of former students of the Parker-Gray School and other Alexandria schools attended by African American students before integration is to preserve the history of those whose hard work left a legacy for others to emulate.

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 Tuesday, March 1.  For more information, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation, or contact Jack Browand at 703.746.5504, or by email at jack.browand@alexandriava.gov.

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

SITE PLAN ON THE FOUR MILE RUN PARK EXPANSION

At last night’s Arlandria Action Plan Advisory Group meeting, the group reached consensus to recommend spending the existing $200,000 CIP funds on the Four Mile Run Park Expansion.   RPCA provided cost estimates for Phase 1 and the remaining phases.  I’ve attached a copy.  The Alexandria Park and Recreation Commission will consider approval of the Four Mile Run Park Expansion Concept Plan at a public hearing on February 17, 2011; 7PM (tonight) at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Avenue.  To view the Concept Plan, visit: http://alexandriava.gov/Recreation.

Raised during the Four Mile Run Park Expansion discussion, but put on the “parking lot”, was an inquiry on installing parallel parking along Mt. Vernon Avenue at the expanded Four Mile Run Park.  RPCA/PZ staff will follow up with TES staff.

The group also agreed to create a smaller “executive committee” that City staff can communicate with more frequently and coordinate meeting agendas.  The AG members that volunteered for this subcommittee are: Melissa Russell, Kristin Langlykke, and Kevin Beekman.

Meeting notes will be provided on the project webpage early next week: www.alexandriava.gov/Arlandria.

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact myself or Maya Contreras (Maya.Contreras@alexandriava.gov).

DRAWING THE CLOTHED FIGURE WITH ALICE KALE

When:              Sunday April 3, 1-4 pm class / 4-5 pm optional chat

In this workshop students will practice drawing the clothed model in a simplified manner intended to express the underlying human form.  Initial gesture drawings will help students to understand and quickly capture a pose.  We will then progress into a fully developed drawing of the clothed figure.  All skill levels are welcome.

The drawing session will run three hours from 1-4pm.  We will be having refreshments and a group discussion on what we learned during the session for those that would like to stay on from 4-5pm.

Please bring newsprint (18”x24”), a fat Sharpie pen and a charcoal pencil.  If you wish you may bring additional drawing materials of your choice and better quality drawing paper as well.  A portable easel is optional.

Alice Kale is a well-known local painter and popular teacher. In addition to numerous awards, her work has been featured in Watercolor Magic and Artist’s Sketchbook magazines and in the Washington Post.

Fees are $15 for DRA members, $18 for non-members. For more information contact Katherine Rand at 703-836-1468 or DRA.LifeDrawing@gmail.com.  Space is limited and registration by Wednesday, March 30th is required. You can register online at http://www.thedelrayartisans.org/WebCalendar/view_entry.php?id=910&date=20110403.

DEL RAY ARTISANS WORKSHOP

“REVEALING WHAT IS HIDDEN”

Workshop Date:                               Saturday, March 12, 2011, 10 am – 1 pm

In conjunction with Del Ray Artisans’ abstract art show “Beyond Form: Expressing Art”, the curators are offering a workshop/panel discussion entitled “Abstract Art: Revealing What Is Hidden,” on Saturday, March 12 from 10 am to 1 pm.  Featured panelists are artists John Blee and Beverly Ryan from The Art League; Paula B. Lantz from Del Ray Artisans and The Touchstone Gallery; and Rusty Lynn from Del Ray Artisans.

For the first 2 hours, this panel of experienced artists who are also teachers and historians will hit highlights and turning points in abstract art’s colorful 19th to 21st century history. What are abstract art’s precursors?  How is it defined?  Who are some of the big name artists and what did they contribute to the genre?  And … we’ll find out which artists are favorites of the panelists; all while engaging in a lively discussion with participants.

For the last hour we will have a feedback opportunity for those who have brought a finished or unfinished abstract art piece, or who would like constructive comment on their artwork showing in Beyond Form: Expressing Art.  Artists will tell those gathered what kind of feedback they are seeking and then listen to how their artwork comes across to the viewers.

The fee for this workshop is $10 for DRA members and $15 for non-members.  The maximum number of registrants is 25.  Advance registration by Tuesday, March 8 is required, so register soon for this thought-provoking and inspiring workshop!  Visit http://www.thedelrayartisans.org/WebCalendar/view_entry.php?id=906&date=20110312 to register.

Beyond Form: Expressing Art runs from March 4 through March 27 at the Del Ray Artisans gallery at the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA  22301.  Gallery hours are: Thursdays, 12 noon to 4 pm; Fridays, 12 noon to 9 pm; Saturdays, 10 am to 9 pm; and Sundays, 12 noon to 6 pm. The gallery is free, open to the public, and handicap accessible.

For more information, please contact Rusty Lynn (703-350-7174 rustylynn@earthlink.net) or Betty Plummer (703-892-8638 bplummer11@verizon.net).

DEL RAY ARTISANS WORKSHOP

“BEYOND FORM:  EXPRESSING ART”

Opening Reception: Friday, March 4, 7-10 pm

Show Dates: March 4 – 27, 2011

Opening with an artist reception on Friday, March 4^th from 7 to 10 pm is Beyond Form: Expressing Art.  This show is Del Ray Artisans’ long-awaited all-media abstract show which was open to all area artists.  DRA’s art happening for March spotlights painting. The gallery will be buzzing with energy, beauty, truth, and color!  See the counterpoint of monochromatic simplicity, stillness, and restraint—lending balance and white space.

Co-curators Betty Plummer and Fareeha Khawaja invited artists to use form, color, shape and line to express a heart-felt, direct response to a subject or experience and to express what moves them—truth or beauty, near or far-away, an engaging idea mostly independent of direct visual reference.  The style might be geometric, impressionist, sculptural, constructivist, collage-photographic, cubist, fauvist, minimalist, 3-D or their very own way of using mixed media to express themselves.

In conjunction with the Beyond Form: Expressing Art exhibit at the Del Ray Artisans gallery, the co-curators will present a juried selection of abstract art in the lobby gallery of Signature Theatre in Shirlington.  That exhibit will run March 14 – May 22, in conjunction with ART, by Yasmina Reza, in which a white-on-white abstract painting plays a leading role! This Gallery Without Walls show at Signature Theatre will feature the works of DRA members.  For directions and lobby gallery hours at Signature Theatre, please check http://www.sig-online.org/.

The Beyond Form: Expressing Art exhibit is at Del Ray Artisans gallery at the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301.  Gallery hours are: Thursdays, 12 noon to 4 pm; Fridays, 12 noon to 9 pm; Saturdays, 10 am to 9 pm; and Sundays, 12 noon to 6 pm.  The gallery is free, open to the public and handicap accessible.

For more information, please visit www.TheDelRayArtisans.org or contact curator(s) Betty Plummer, 703-892-8638, bplummer11@verizon.net or Fareeha Khawaja, fareehamkhawaja@gmail.com.

DEVELOPING AGING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES IN ALEXANDRIA

Join the City of Alexandria in planning to Ensure a Livable Community for All Ages as we focus on our growing population of older residents.  Please share your ideas at a community conversation, and let your voice be heard.

WHAT: A dialogue to shape the future for Alexandrians of all ages, because planning for any age can be done with all ages in mind. Your input will help create the City’s Strategic Plan for Aging Services. Topics to be discussed will include housing, transportation, health, the environment and others.

WHO: Alexandrians of all ages should attend – seniors, young adults, baby boomers- and entrepreneurs, businesses, civic and nonprofit organizations, faith communities and YOU!

WHERE AND WHEN:

Wednesday, February 23, 2011, 6:30–8:30 p.m.

Minnie Howard Campus of T.C. Williams High School

3801 West Braddock Road

Thursday, March 3, 2011, Noon–2:00 p.m.

First Baptist Church

2932 King Street

SPONSORS:  The Department of Community & Human Services’ Office of Aging and Adult Services (alexandriava.gov/Aging) and the Viable Futures Center of JustPartners, Inc., strategic plan consultants.

PLEASE  RSVP: Call 703.746.5999

Food will be provided and your reservation will help assure that all are served!

Senior Taxi is available for transportation for eligible riders:  703.836.4414 X15

CHINQUAPIN PARK RECREATION CENTER

SWIMMING POOL CLOSED MONDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST

The Chinquapin Park Recreation Center Robert S. Rixse Swimming Pool will close at 9 a.m on Monday, February 21 in order to make an emergency repair to the pool’s filter system.  The repairs are expected to be completed in one day, and the pool will reopen at 6 a.m. on Tuesday, February 22.  For more information, contact Ralph Baird, Recreation Manager, Aquatics, at 703.746.5435 or ralph.baird@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.

STARTING YOUR VEGETABLE GARDEN INDOORS FROM SEED

A Free Public Workshop Sponsored by the Arlington Office of Virginia Cooperative Extension with support from the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia.

Learn the basics of successful propagation, including seed selection, requirements for germination, tips on transplanting, and the importance of hardening plants before moving them outdoors.

Wednesday, February 23, 7 to 9 p.m.

Walter Reed Community Center

2909 16^th Street South, Arlington, VA

To register call 703-228-6414

SPRING & SUMMER 2011 RECREATION, PARKS AND CULTURAL ACTIVITIES PROGRAM GUIDE

Available online monday, march 7^th

Subscribe by mail by february 21^st

Subscribers to the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities will receive the Spring & Summer 2011 Recreation Program Guide by Monday, March 14 and the guide will be posted online Monday, March 7. Registration for Spring & Summer 2011 classes begins on Wednesday, March 30 for City residents and Friday, April 1 for nonresidents.

As part of the City of Alexandria’s Eco-City Initiative, the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities has reduced the number of printed program guides and no longer automatically mails them to all households. Only individuals who have subscribed will continue to receive the program guide by mail.

To be added to the mailing list for the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities’ Program Guide, individuals may request a free subscription online or by telephone. Requests must be received by Monday, February 21 to guarantee receipt of the Spring & Summer 2011 Program Guide by mail. To subscribe, visit www.alexandriava.gov/recreation or call 703.746.4343.

The program guide will continue to be produced three times each year: Fall Programs (August); Winter Programs (December); and Spring & Summer Programs (March).

By March 14, printed copies of the Spring & Summer 2011 Program Guide will be available to the public at City Hall, recreation centers, and public libraries located throughout the City. Individuals can also download a free copy online at www.alexandriava.gov/recreation.

HAPPENINGS IN DEL RAY

DEL RAY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH – Join us for our monthly Pancake Breakfast Saturday, FEB 19, from 8-10 AM in Lunceford Hall.  Cost is just $6 per adult, $4 per child. For more info: www.delrayumc.org Location: 100 E. Windsor Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301

R & B HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING – Beat the Heat!  Spring AC Inspection for only $89.95 Now until July 30th.  Schedule yours today!  Details at www.rbincorporated.com.  Location:  1710 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA  22301.

ST. STEPHEN’S & ST. AGNES SCHOOL – The 55th Annual Sleepy Thompson Basketball Tournament in the Upper School Goodwin Gym on February 24, 3:00 p.m.-10:30 p.m. (Saints play at 7:00 p.m.); February 25, 3:00 p.m.- 10:30 p.m.; and February 26, 11:00 a.m.- 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5. www.sssas.org

FIREFLIES – 1501 Mt. Vernon Ave;  Live Music – 17 Feb – The Rob Hornfeck Enterprise; 18 Feb – Tim Dalton; 12 Feb – Miss Shevaughn & Yuma Wray, Our 5th beer dinner will be 23 February (7pm) with Troeg’s – 4 beers, 4 courses, $40 (tip not included) Menu & Details at www.firefliesdelray.com

THE PURPLE GOOSE – Unique Children’s Boutique. During February and March, Get 25 people with children or grandchildren who live in this area to follow us on Facebook, you will get a $25.00 Purple Goose gift card. Limit $500.00 per person, we have set aside $5,000.00 for this promotion, so when this is spent, it will end. http://www.facebook.com/thepurplegoose or just go to our website www.thepurplegoose.com and click the like button. Location: 2005 Mt Vernon Ave.