ARLANDRIA ACTION PLAN IMPLEMENTATION UPDATE

Duron Building Renovation

On May 6, 2011, as part of Spring for Alexandria 2011, a team of volunteers including city staff from RPCA, GS, PZ, Sherwin Williams, community members and Alexandria firefighters came together to continue the transformation of the old Duron paint building at 4109 Mount Vernon Avenue to a neighborhood community center. The interior was given a fresh coat of white paint while the exterior was transformed with a vibrant tomato red.

City Holds Grand Opening Ceremony for the Four Mile Run Park and Community Building on Sunday, May 15

The City of Alexandria invites the public to join Mayor William D. Euille and members of City Council to celebrate and dedicate the opening of the renovated community building located at 4109 Mount Vernon Ave., on Sunday, May 15 at 1PM. The event will occur rain or shine.  More information may be found here.

Save the Date

Please save the date for the next Arlandria Action Plan Advisory Group meeting to be held on Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 7PM.  The location is Cora Kelly Recreation Center.

ALL ALEXANDRIA READS “THE SHADOW OF THE WIND” TOGETHER IN MAY

The Alexandria Library system invites the community to participate in the fourth annual All Alexandria Reads program in May. Enjoy reading a thrilling mystery, a love story, and historical fiction, all bound up in one book: The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon. The story takes place in the 1950s in Barcelona, Spain, where the son of a bookstore owner discovers a lost novel, written by a writer whose death is shrouded in mystery. Throughout the month of May, all branches of the Alexandria Library will host numerous events based upon the themes in the book.

All Alexandria Reads is made possible through a generous grant from the James M. Duncan, Jr. Library Foundation, Inc. and the support of many local companies including Whole Foods, Fannon Fine Printing, Hooray for Books, Au Domaine, and La Tasca. For a complete list of all the events scheduled for All Alexandria Reads, please visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us.

HIGH CAPACITY TRANSIT CORRIDOR WORK GROUP MEETING

The City of Alexandria invites members of the public to attend the High Capacity Transit Corridor Work Group meeting on Thursday, May 19 from 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm at the George Washington Middle School (Auditorium), 1005 Mount Vernon Avenue. The school is transit accessible via DASH routes AT3 and AT4.

The meeting will focus on a recommendation for Corridor C (Beauregard / Van Dorn corridor), and identifying existing conditions and the needs for Corridor A (North-South) and Corridor B (Duke Street/Eisenhower Avenue). An opportunity will be provided for the public to provide comment.

For more information please visit:

www.alexandriava.gov/HighCapacityTransit or contact Steve Sindiong, Transportation Planner at 703-746-4047.

WARWICK VILLAGE POOL HOUSE UPDATES & EVENTS

- NEWS -

Why Funding for Warwick Pool is not in the City Budget – and Why We’re Hopeful We Can Get it Back

Funding was removed because Alexandria had no strategy for its aquatics.  The city has hired a team of independent consultants to conduct an Aquatics Assessment and develop a “Master Plan”.  We have been invited to offer feedback and we will ask that Warwick pool improvements be part of the Plan.  Link to Details.

Warwick Pool is Getting a Makeover!

Several key improvements, including new fences, toilets, and lounge chairs, are complete or underway thanks to the city!  Link to details.

Swimming Lessons and Memberships To Be Offered at Warwick Pool
That’s right – classes for children, and both individual and family memberships, are available!  Link to Details.

“Friends of Warwick Pool” has a Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends-of-Warwick-Pool/156137701064167.  I am posting information as I receive it such as the information below.

Strong participation in volunteer projects shows the city we care and improves the pool – a win-win!  Each of the opportunities listed takes from a few minutes to a few hours at most.  Check them out and reply to this email or comment on the site if you can contribute.  Link to details.

Opportunities:

• Work Parties (Sat May 7 and Sat May 21, 1-3PM)
• Information table at Del Ray Farmer’s Market (Sat May 21, 8AM-12PM)
• Community survey (dates flexible)
• Flyers to advertise the pool (dates flexible)

LEADERSHIP ALEXANDRIA ENTERS EXCITING NEW ERA

The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce announced today that its Board of Directors voted unanimously on Friday, April 15, 2011 to transfer the Leadership Alexandria program to an independent 501(c)(3) organization.

Although it will no longer be an official program of the Chamber, the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce will continue to provide guidance as the new organization is formed.  This action allows a special Leadership Alexandria Task Force to be formed to assess the capacity, organizational scope, and direction of a redefined community leadership program. The move also allows the Chamber to focus on its core mission of representing the Alexandria business community in challenging economic times.

A broad based Leadership Alexandria Task Force will be formed and begin work in lieu of delivery of a 2012 Leadership Alexandria program.  The formation of the Task Force, initial meetings and planning will commence in the next several weeks under the direction of Leadership Alexandria Steering Committee Chair, Mark Feldheim. It is anticipated that the work of the Leadership Alexandria Task Force will take up to one year to complete.

“The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce is very proud to have operated Leadership Alexandria since its creation in 2003,” said Tina Leone, President & CEO of The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce.  “We recognize the important role this organization has had in creating a network of leaders for Alexandria.  As an independent 501(c)(3), Leadership Alexandria will enter an exciting new era and the Alexandria Chamber will continue to be a key supporter of the program, its vision and members.”

Alexandria Chamber of Commerce Chairman, Mike Anderson said, “The Alexandria Chamber has successfully provided leadership and resources to host and incubate organizations – including the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership and The Alexandria Small Business Development Center.  The launch of Leadership Alexandria into what we all hope will be a successful, independent program, is part of that great model.  Our full support goes to the leaders of the special Task Force as they undertake this endeavor.”

During the period of the Task Force’s work, remaining program funds as well as any newly generated funds shall be placed at the Alexandria Chamber Foundation to support the development of a new community leadership program model and for operational and networking activities. Leadership Alexandria’s existing Steering Committee, led by Mark Feldheim, will coordinate both networking and continuing educational activities during the transition.

Leadership Alexandria was formed in 2003. To date, seven classes have completed the program with a total of 180 graduates.  “The contributions of Leadership Alexandria graduates to the community can be seen every day through service across both public and private entities in our city and beyond,” said Mark Feldheim. “Leadership Alexandria graduates are making an impact every day and we are excited as we take this important step forward in re-establishing this program.”

For more information, contact Toni Andrews (tonimandrews@gmail.com)

ALEXANDRIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Join the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce, public officials and School Board members for the 2011 Legislative Reception presented by Dominion on June 8.  Set at the lovely Ritz-Carlton Pentagon City, the venue offers the convenience of metro and close proximity for Arlington businesses to join us as well.  New this year — we’ve added an informative, short program on the impact of redistricting on business.  Please arrive at 6pm to check-in at registration and say “hello” to other attendees and invited officials.  The program begins at 6:30pm followed by a reception from 7:00-8:00pm.

Please register online HERE and take advantage of early-bird ticket pricing before June 1st!

CITY HOLDS GRAND OPENING CEREMONY FOR THE FOUR MILE RUN PARK

AND COMMUNITY BUILDING ON SUNDAY, MAY 15TH

The City of Alexandria invites the public to join Mayor William D. Euille and members of City Council to celebrate and dedicate the opening of the renovated community building located at 4109 Mount Vernon Ave., on Sunday, May 15 at 1 p.m. The event will occur rain or shine.

The City acquired the open space properties at 4109-4125 Mount Vernon Ave., including the former Duron Paint store building at 4109 Mount Vernon Ave., in January 2007 as part of the City’s Open Space Program. In June 2010, a Special Use Permit was approved to convert the old paint store into a community building for public use.

A local group of architects, Architects Anonymous, donated their time to develop a plan to preserve the building through environmentally sustainable design elements. The newly renovated building will be open seasonally and will feature a new, large entrance and stage area on the north side, accessible restrooms, a small workroom, and a large open area that can be used for:

• Community meetings
• Community festivals
• Farmers/craft market activities
• Performance space
• Environmental and Four Mile Run education facility and display area
• Art shows and markets
• Film viewings and festivals
• City events
• Classes and summer camps
• Professional organizations meeting space
• One-time health clinics
• One-time bicycle clinics

The City is grateful to Whiting Turner and Sherwin Williams/Duron Paint for the donation of their time and materials, as well as a large number of citizens and local groups who volunteered their time to renovate the building and improve the surrounding space.

Come early and shop at the Four Mile Run Farmers’ and Artisan’s Market (4MRMarket), open Sundays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. In conjunction with the grand opening of the building, 4MRMarket will accept SNAP/EBT for the first time! In a collaborative project with the Partnership for a Healthier Alexandria and Inova Health System, SNAP participants will be now able to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and other goods at the farmers market. As part of this project, Inova is sponsoring a “Double Dollar” program that doubles the first $10 SNAP participants spend at the market. 4MRMarket is the first farmers’ market in Northern Virginia to accept SNAP.

ALL NIGHT DRUG AND ALCOHOL FREE GRADUATION CELEBRATION

FOR T. C. WILLIAMS HIGH SCHOOL

The 22nd annual All Night Drug and Alcohol Free Graduation Celebration for T.C. Williams High School seniors will take place on Saturday, June 18th at the Chinquapin Recreation Center in Alexandria, Virginia.  We are asking for modest donations from local businesses and community organizations to help support this special event in the lives of Alexandria’s young people.  Your contribution will help make the evening a special memory for the more than 500 graduates who attend the only public high school in Alexandria.

Since T.C. began this tradition in 1989, there have been no drug- or alcohol-related graduation night fatalities. This special party sends the clear message that our community values the academic achievement of graduation and cares deeply about the safety and well-being of our students.  Last year, the majority of the senior class attended this party, sponsored by the T.C. Williams PTSA and made possible by the generous support of local businesses, citizens and community organizations.

This graduation celebration is open to all graduating seniors.  Complimentary admission is available for those students who are unable to purchase tickets.  In order that we cover our expenses, we are soliciting donations from within the Alexandria community.  Please use the below form for your contribution.  Your gift is tax-deductible and will be publicized in the event program.

On behalf of the students of the Class of 2011, thank you for making graduation a celebration of a lifetime.

Donor Response Form

Please print or type:

Name:

Organization 

Address:

City: State: Zip Code:

Telephone: Fax:

Email:______________________________________________________

Contact Person/Title:

Amount of Donation:

$___________

Please make your check payable to:

T.C. Williams All-Night Graduation Party

and send to:

TC Williams High School

All Night Drug and Alcohol Free Graduation Celebration

3330 King Street Alexandria, Virginia 22302

Attn: Patty Moran

The Class of 2011 thanks you!

If you have any questions, please call Janet Lewis at 703-587-4332 or jlewis@usatoday.com

T.C. Williams High School PTSA Tax Exemption # 54-1303279

DEL RAY ARTISANS’ SUMMER ART CAMP 2011

When: July 25-29, 2011; 9 am – 4 pm

Where: Del Ray Artisans 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301-1124

Ages: 8 – 14 (there is some flexibility)

Cost: $250 before 6/1/11 —- $275 after 6/1/11

Join the Del Ray Artisans as we travel around the world in five days.  From July 25-29, students ages 8-14 will experience an international expedition through the arts.  Each day from 9 am – 4 pm will feature projects and activities related to cultural traditions and artistic movements found throughout the world.  Classes will be taught by professional artists and educators and draw from the dramatic, visual, and musical arts.  The culmination of the week will be a gallery showing of the weeks’ projects at the Del Ray Artisans gallery space in Alexandria, VA.

Space is limited, register online at http://www.thedelrayartisans.org/.  Scholarship support may be available.  Please contact Lisa McKee, Art Camp Director at DRA.ArtCamp@gmail.com for a scholarship application.

Art Camp will be held at the Del Ray Artisans gallery at the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, Virginia 22301.

14^TH ANNUAL T.C. WILLIAMS STUDENT ART SHOW

ART CAMP 2011:  CALL FOR INSTRUCTORS/ARTISTS

Del Ray Artisans is accepting project proposals for our upcoming summer art camp.  Art Camp 2011 will take place from 9 am – 4 pm; July 25-29, 2011 at the Del Ray Artisans gallery space in Alexandria, VA and serve approximately 25 students aged 8-14.

With a theme meant to take students “around the world in 5 days,” the ideal project will be both fun and instructional and be tailored to age groups 8-10 and/or 11-14.  Projects should combine educational elements with hands-on and engaging opportunities for creativity and relate to a current or historic craft founded in cultural tradition.  Proposals should include the following:

• Brief description of proposed activity
• Objectives (relation to theme)
• Age appropriateness
• Materials and estimated cost (itemized cost list)
• Room set up and any advance preparation requirements
• Summary/Script
• Terminology

A modest honorarium will be provided for instructors and the cost of approved materials will be covered.  Questions and proposals can be sent to DRA.ArtCamp@gmail.com with a subject line of DRA Camp Proposal.  Proposals will be accepted through May 1, 2011.

ALEXANDRIA ART MARKET

Market Dates: 6/4/11, 7/2/11, 8/6/11, 9/3/11, 11/5/11

Del Ray Artisans (DRA) is pleased to announce its 2^nd season of The Alexandria Art Market.  The market will be held in the Nicholas A. Colasanto Park, adjoining the Del Ray Artisans gallery at 2704 Mount Vernon Avenue, Alexandria, VA (corner of Commonwealth Avenue and Mount Vernon Avenue). This is a rain or shine event and is free and open to the public.

A variety of original artwork from over 25 artists will be displayed for sale including, but not limited to, painting, photography, pottery, jewelry, and glasswork.

The grand opening festivities for the 2^nd season will be on May 7, 2011 will include music by The Kate Moran Band and yummy food from local food purveyors.

Market Creator and Coordinator Kimberley Bush is so pleased that last year’s art market was so successful that she was able to add an additional month which is May and increased the number of artists.  She continues to believe that the DRA artists and artisans would benefit from consistent exposure to the art world.  This event will be another opportunity and a perfect venue to connect with the community.

The market will be held on the 1^st Saturdays of May, June, July, August, September and November, 2011 in the Nicholas A. Colasanto Park on the corner of Commonwealth and Mount Vernon Avenues from 10-4 pm rain or shine.

For more information about the Alexandria Art Market, how to apply for an artspace at the market, about being a food purveyor or musical act, please contact Kimberley Bush at 703-627-7656 or email DRA.AlexandriaArtMarket@gmail.com.

HAPPENINGS IN DEL RAY

ECLECTIC NATURE – Container Gardening Lecture. Christy Beal, Virginia certified horticulturist, will educate us with her expertise and advise on how to create container gardens that WOW! Saturday, May 14, 10 a.m. ECLECTIC NATURE, 1503 MOUNT VERNON AVENUE,  ALEXANDRIA, VA  22301 703-837-0500   www.engiftandgarden.com

THE PURPLE GOOSE – Del Ray’s Unique Children’s Boutique for over 35 years. 2005 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA. We are offering a monogram for $5.00 for the month of May when you purchase any new outfit or dress. This offer is good for boys and girls. View our monogram fonts on our facebook photo albums, facebook.com/thepurplegoose

R & B HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING – Celebrating 31 years on the Avenue, Special offer $200.00 off new complete system purchase.  Now until May 31, 2011.  Location:  1710 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA  22301.

ST. STEPHEN’S & ST. AGNES SCHOOL – Join us for the Middle School Drama Festival on Sunday, May 15 with performances at 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. The festival will take place at the Upper School Chapel/Performing Arts Center (1000 St. Stephen’s Road, Alexandria). Admission is free! http://www.sssas.org

YOGA IN DAILY LIFE – Next six-week session of yoga/meditation classes begins Monday, May 16.  Deadline for preregistration $75 discount rate (one class per week/six weeks) is 2 p.m., Saturday, May 14.  Registration/schedule/unlimited passes online at www.yogaindailylifeus.org.  Location 2402 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria, VA 22301.

STUDIO BODY LOGIC – AUTHENTIC PILATES – 2417 Mount Vernon Avenue:  With our 6th annual trip to Tuscany only five months away, what better excuse for breaking out the Prosecco and the pecorino!  Come to our Tuscany Celebration this Sunday, May 15, from 3:30 – 5 pm where we’ll savor traditional favorites and embrace la dolce vita…  RSVP to 703.739.7601

FIREFLIES – Music for the week – 12 May, 8 pm, Rene Moffatt and Jason Ager return; 14 May, 9 pm, Tim Dalton is playing until 11 pm.  Location: 1501 Mt. Vernon Ave.

DEL RAY UNITED METHODIST CHURCH – All youthful singles and couples are invited to find a home in our Pathfinders Fellowship. Join us for our next event: a barbeque Saturday, May 21, 4 PM. For more info: www.delrayumc.org or 703-549-2088   Location: 100 E. Windsor Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301