Blog Coming to an End - Thanks for Your Support

Dear Readers,

The Fort Hunt Family bog has been reporting on free and inexpensive family activities in the Alexandria area for the last year and a half. During that time I've become even more convinced that our area is the absolute best place in the region to live with kids. The number and variety of fun activities is amazing. We are so fortunate to have so many organizations that program family events.

Many readers have been supportive and encouraging of the blog. I appreciate your kind and thoughtful words. As much as I have enjoyed getting to know our community even more, the blog will be ending. My personal situation has changed with the addition of a new baby and professionally I've gotten busier as well.

Thank you all. Have a safe and happy 2012.

Liz

Santa's Winter Wonderland @ Charles Houston (free)

Mon Dec 19, 2011 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Enjoy a "sneak peek" tour through the Winter Wonderland while enjoying concert music.
Location: Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe St.
Contact: Sheila Whiting, 703.746.5451

Enjoy holiday music and cheer at Santa's Hayride and Lakeside Winter Village.

Saturday, Dec. 17: Hay There Santa!

Warm up with a cup of hot chocolate and settle in to hear classic winter tales told around a toasty campfire. Also, visit with Santa and tell him what's on your wish list. Remember to bring a camera. Well-socialized, leashed pets are welcome to join in the photo. Dress for the weather and plan on a brisk walk from the parking lot. Hayrides run every 30 minutes. 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Lake Accotink Park. $8/person (ages 2 and younger admitted free.) To register or for more information call 703-569-0285

Now Open – Occupied City: Life in Civil War Alexandria Exhibition

Open daily at The Lyceum, "Occupied City: Life in Civil War Alexandria" examines life in an American town seized and held by its own Federal government, following Virginia's decision to secede from the Union in May 1861. See how Robert E. Lee's hometown of Alexandria was transformed literally overnight from a prosperous, bustling commercial port into a supply, hospital, and transportation center for the Union Army, and find out why Alexandria became a destination for African Americans seeking freedom. Explore the experiences of Alexandrians and others who lived here during this tumultuous time, through their own words, as well as period photographs and collections items. The Lyceum (201 South Washington Street) is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Suggested admission is $2. For more information, visitwww.alexandriahistory.org or call 703.746.4994.

Sunday, December 11. Enjoy Huntley Meadows Craft Activity and Discounted Shopping

Huntley Holiday Happening:  Looking for something special for the nature-lover on your list? Enjoy an afternoon of shopping with a 10% discount on merchandise. Enjoy yummy treats and make holiday crafts. Noon to 3:30 p.m. Huntley Meadows Park. Free. For more information, please call 703-768-2525.

December 10 – Family Kwanzaa Celebration Program

Get ready for Kwanzaa in time to celebrate it this year with this special family program at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street. The Family Kwanzaa Celebration program from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. is ideal for children and their parents. Conducted by Culture Kingdom Kids, educator Jessica Smith will teach families fun and creative ways to celebrate the seven days of Kwanzaa through a variety of interactive performances, hands-on activities and crafts. "Culture Queen," the superhero mascot of Culture Kingdom Kids, will also make a special appearance. Families will be culturally enriched and better prepared to celebrate Kwanzaa in their homes and communities. Admission is $5 per person, and advance reservations are recommended. For more information, visitwww.alexblackhistory.org or call 703.746.4356.

Two Free Concerts Featuring Holiday Classics on December 18

Colonial English Handbell Ringers Perform at The Lyceum

Enjoy your favorite holiday music with the Colonial English Handbell Ringers at The Lyceum on Sunday, December 18.  The Colonial English Handbell Ringers, now in their 20^th season, will give two performances with the first beginning at 2 p.m. and the second, a repeat performance, at 4 p.m.

 

This year's program is "A Very Merry Christmas: Celebrating 20 Years with the Colonial English Handbell Ringers." The free show features ten ringers in period costume playing a full five-octave set of nearly 80handbells from the world-famous White Chapel Foundry in England. The ringers will perform many of their all-time personal favorites and crowd-pleasers, including children's classics like "Frosty the Snowman" and the original work, "A Carillon Christmas," timeless holiday tunes like "Silver Bells" and "Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it Snow," and original show-stoppers such as "Bell Talk" and "Three Carols From Three Countries." As in years past, there will be an audience participation sing-a-long.

 

The Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum, is located at 201 South Washington Street in Old Town Alexandria. Limited free parking is available.

 

For more information, contact The Lyceum at 703.746.4994 or visitwww.alexandriahistory.org.

City of Alexandria to Host Holiday Invitational Cheerleading Competition on Saturday, December 17, 2011

The public is invited to attend the Alexandria Holiday Invitational Cheerleading Competition, scheduled for 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 17 at T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King Street. The competition features youth cheerleading teams from City recreation centers and other teams from the metropolitan area. 

 
Tickets are available for purchase in advance and also at the door the day of the event. Tickets will be on sale from December 2 – December 15, at the Charles Houston, Cora Kelly, Patrick Henry and William Ramsay recreation centers and at the Recreation Services Division Office, located at 1108 Jefferson Street.  Tickets can be purchased in advance for $5 for ages 13 and older, $2 for ages 6-12 and ages 5 and under are admitted free. Ticket prices at the door will be $6 for ages 13 and older, $3 for ages 6 – 12 and for ages 5 and under are admitted free.

December 10 & December 11 – Annual Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours

	Take a break from the fast pace of the season and experience the unique charm and history at Old Town Alexandria's most popular holiday event. As part of the Civil War Sesquicentennial events, experience 1860s Alexandria during the holidays. Tour Gadsby's Tavern Museum (134 North Royal Street), Carlyle House (121 North Fairfax Street), Lee-Fendall House (614 Oronoco Street) and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum (105-107 South Fairfax Street) by candlelight and enjoy seasonal decorations, entertainment and light refreshments. Shuttle among the sites included. Tour times are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday. Cost is $20 for adults, $15 for seniors (65 and older), and $5 for children (ages 6-17).   Reservations are recommended. For more information or to buy tickets, visitwww.historicalexandria.org or call 703.746.4242.

Two Kwanzaa Events at Alexandria Black History Museum December 10

Get ready for Kwanzaa in time to celebrate it this year with two special programs on Saturday, December 10, at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street.

 

The Family Kwanzaa Celebration programfrom 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. is ideal for children and their parents. Conducted by Culture Kingdom Kids, educator Jessica Smith will teach families fun and creative ways to celebrate the seven days of Kwanzaa through a variety of interactive performances, hands-on activities and crafts. "Culture Queen," the superhero mascot of Culture Kingdom Kids, will also make a special appearance. Families will be culturally enriched and better prepared to celebrate Kwanzaa in their homes and communities. Admission is $5 per person, and advance reservations are recommended.

 

Then, at 4:30 p.m., attend a free screening of "The Black Candle: A Kwanzaa Celebration." This vibrant documentary from M.K. Asante uses Kwanzaa as a vehicle to explore and celebrate the African-American experience. Filmed across the United States, Africa, Europe and the Caribbean, "The Black Candle" is a timely illumination on why the seven principles of Kwanzaa are so important to African Americans today. Narrated by Maya Angelou, it traces the holiday's growth out of the Black Power Movement in the 1960s to its present-day reality as a global, pan-African holiday embraced by over 40 million celebrants. This viewing is part of "Movies with a Mission," a series of films about the African Diaspora that seek to inform and inspire dialogue.

Rock Your Park” – Winter 2011 / 2012 Community Open Play at Ben Brenman Park Synthetic Turf Field

The City of Alexandria Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities is celebrating "Rock Your Park" by offering free Community Open Play Days and Nights throughout this winter at the Ben Brenman Park synthetic turf field. 

Beginning December 6, 2011 through February 12, 2012, families, friends and neighbors of all ages are encouraged to visit our fields to exercise, play soccer, lacrosse, touch football, rugby, frisbee and much more. Staff monitored activities will be available as follows:

• Ben Brenman Park Field, 4800 Brenman Park Dr.
  Tuesday & Thursday from  6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
  Saturday 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.
  Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Guidelines to consider as you go to "Rock Your Park":

• Show courtesy to all other field users. 
• No permits or registration will be required and use will be on a first come, first served basis. 
• No uniformed teams or structured games allowed.
• Participants must provide their own equipment /balls.
• Tennis shoes or turf shoes only.
• Pick-up game time limits enforced.
• No pets, smoking, alcohol, or music allowed at the fields.
• Youth must be accompanied by a parent or adult chaperone.
• HAVE FUN!!!!

For additional information, call Mac Slover at 703.746.5402 or e-mail atmac.slover@alexandriava.gov.

December 10 – “Christmas in Camp” Open House

Join a Civil War Santa at this family-fun holiday event at Fort Ward Museum, 4301 West Braddock Road,from noon to 4 p.m.  See how Christmas was observed during the Civil War with living-history interpreters, a Victorian Christmas tree, refreshments, readings of "The Night Before Christmas" and a patriotic Santa Claus. Guided tours of the fort will be given, weather permitting. Suggested donation of $2 for adults, $1 for children. For more information, visit www.fortward.org or call703.746.4848

Family Fun - Evergreens Evermore:

Saturday, December 3

Spruce, pine, and cedar - find these evergreen trees and more, while discovering facts and folklore. Make an evergreen decoration for your winter home. Participants must be at least 5 and accompanied by a registered adult.2 to 3 p.m. Green Spring Gardens. $6/person. Register online. For more information call703-642-5173.

Alexandria Library Children's Calendar of Events - December 2011

All Alexandria Library will be closed for the Christmas Holiday:  Friday, December 23; Saturday, December 24; Sunday, December 25; and Monday, December 26.
Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library 5005 Duke Street, 22304 Tel: 703.746.1702 Fax: 703.746.1763  Mon-Thurs 10am - 9pm; Fri 10am - 6pm; Sat 10am - 5pm; Sun 1pm - 5pm , Tuesdays, from 10 am to noon, December 6, 13, 20 & 27. CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS: *registration required for story times: please call 703-746-1702x5 or visit the children's desk. *LITTLE ONE-DERS, Mondays, December 5 & 12, at 10:30 or 11:15 am, ages 12 to 23 months, with an adult. *TIME FOR 2's, Tuesdays, December 6 & 13, or Wednesdays, December 7 & 14, at 10:30 am, for ages 24 to 36 months, with an adult. *BABY RHYME TIME, Tuesdays, December 6 & 13, for ages 0 to 11 months, with an adult. *STORY TIME, Thursdays, December 1, 8 & 15, at 10:30 am or 3 pm, for ages 3 to 5 (children only). *KIDS READ TO DOGS, with PAL (People Animals Love), Thursdays, December 1 & 15, for 15-minute sessions which start at 5:30 pm. Please call 703-746-1702x5 or visit the children's desk to sign up.
James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library 2501 Commonwealth Avenue, 22301 Tel: 703-746-1705, Fax: 703-746-1785 Mon 10am-7pm; Tues 10am-7pm; Wed 1pm-9pm; Thurs 10am-7pm; Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-5pm HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, December 7, 6:30 to 8:30 pm Featuring The Irish Breakfast Band All are welcome! CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS: BABY TIME, Mondays, December 5 & 12, at 11 am, for ages 0 - 11 months, with an adult. Sign-up half hour before story time. Limited to 20 children. STORIES & SONGS, Tuesdays, December 6 & 13, at 10 or 11 am , for ages 1 - 4, with an adult. Sign-up half hour before 11 am story time. THURSDAY STORY TIME, Thursdays, December 1, 8 & 15, at 11 am, for ages 3 to 5, without an adult. MOTHER GOOSE TIME, Thursdays, December 1, 8 & 15, for ages 12 - 24 months, 10 am, with adult. Limited to 25 children. STORIES & SONGS IN SPANISH, Mondays, December 12 & 19, at 10 am, for ages 0 - 5, with an adult. NATURE PROGRAM, Wednesday, December 14, at 3:30 pm. For grades K to 5 only. ANIMAL SHELTER VISIT, Monday, December 19, at 3 pm. For grades K to 5 only. GERMAN STORY TIME, Friday, December 16, at 4 pm for ages 2 to 5 with an adult.
Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library 4701 Seminary Road, 22304 Tel: 703-746-1704, Fax: 703-746-1775  Mon 10am-9pm; Tues & Wed 10am-7pm; Thurs 1pm-9pm; Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-5pm CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS: TUESDAY TOTS, Tuesdays, December 6 & 13, at 11 am, ages 2 to 3, with an adult. PAJAMA PARTY, Thursdays, December 1, 8 & 15, at 7 pm, ages 3 to 6, with an adult.
Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library 717 Queen Street, 22314 Tel: 703-746-1703, Fax: 703-746-1708  Mon 1pm-9pm; Tues 10am-9pm; Wed & Thurs 10am-7pm; Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-5p BOOK SALE: Friday, December 2, and Saturday, December 3, from 10 am to 4 pm. CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS: MOTHER GOOSE TIME, Tuesdays & Wednesday, December 6 & 7, at 10:15 am, for ages 12-24 months. Select one program per week to attend. STORIES TO GROW ON, Tuesdays & Wednesday, December 6 & 7, at 11 am, ages 2 & up. Select one program per week to attend. THE NUTCRACKER, Tuesdays & Wednesday, December 13 & 14, at 11 am, ages 2 & up. Select one performance. STORY TIME, Thursdays, December 1, 8 & 15*, at 4 pm, ages 3 & up, without an adult. *Nutcracker performance.

City of Alexandria to Hold 37th Annual Toys For Tots Benefit Square Dance on Sunday, December 4

The City of Alexandria's 37th Annual Toys for Tots Benefit Square Dance is scheduled forSunday, December 4 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., at Lee Center Exhibit Hall, 1108 Jefferson St.  This year's theme is "Almost Heaven at Thirty-Seven" and will feature a special 3 p.m. performance by Capital Squares Demonstration Team. 

The annual square and round dance benefits the United States Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Drive.  Recommended donation for each couple is a new, unopened toy or a $10 minimum contribution (singles $5).  All toys and proceeds from this dance will remain in the Washington metropolitan area. If you do not wish to participate but would like to donate a toy, you may drop off your donation until 3 p.m. at the Lee Center.

The City's Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities and the National Capital Area Square Dance Leaders Association and Washington Area Square Dance Cooperative Association are cosponsoring the event.

For additional information, please call the City's Special Events Hotline at 703.746.5592or visit alexandriava.gov/recreation.

Tickets on Sale Now for Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tour

Discount Rate for Tickets Purchased byDecember 1

See historic Alexandria in a whole new light this holiday season! Four of Old Town Alexandria's finest historic sites will welcome guests on Saturday, December 10, and Sunday, December 11, for the festive Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tour. The area's premier traditional holiday event features holiday greenery, period decorations and music, light refreshments and a convenient shuttle bus running among the sites.

This season, as part of the Civil War Sesquicentennial events, experience 1860s Alexandria during the holidays with tours at Gadsby's Tavern Museum (134 North Royal Street), Carlyle House Historic Park (121 North Fairfax Street), Lee-Fendall House (614 Oronoco Street), and the Stabler-LeadbeaterApothecary Museum (105-107 South Fairfax Street). Tour times are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, December 10, and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, December 11.

The tour is self-guided, and the sites may be visited in any order, with a complimentary shuttle running in a continuous loop among the sites. Ticket prices are $20 for adults, $15 forseniors, and $5 for children (ages 6-17). Special discount rates of $15 for adults and $12 for seniors are available when you buy before December 1. For information, tickets, and group sales information, please contact Gadsby's Tavern Museum at 703.746.4242.Tickets for this event can also be purchased online at www.historicalexandria.org.

See the National Christmas Tree

The Capitol Christmas Tree is Coming to Mount Vernon Community School

Saturday, November 26th

10am – 1pm (between MVCS and Duncan Library)

Bring the family to see the trees

bound for the US Capitol! Climb

up in the cab of a tractor-trailer and see firsthand what a truck driver can see! Take pictures with Mack the (inflatable) Bulldog!

2011 Scottish Walk

Community Event Benefits Campagna Center

Consistently ranked by the Southeast Tourism Society as one of the Top 20 Events in the South, The Campagna Center's Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend and Parade draws nearly 30,000 individuals and families. Tourists travel from throughout the Mid-Atlantic region to participate in this celebrated community event.

The Walk Weekend Events, including Saturday's Parade and Home Tours, are held rain or shine. In the event of severe weather on Saturday morning, please watch this site for additional information and/or contact The Campagna Center at (703) 549-0111 for a recorded message on any delays or cancellations. Remember, we are a hardy folk and if the streets are open, plan to march!

Follow this link for the schedule: 

http://www.scottishchristmaswalk.com/events.html

Holiday Children’s Book Fair at The Lyceum December 3

Shop for Gifts that Will Enrich Young Lives and Donate a Book to the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium

 

On Saturday, December 3, the day of the Scottish Walk, shop at The Lyceum's Holiday Children's Book Fair from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and find the perfect gift for the little ones on your holiday list! The fair features Usborne Books, a leading publisher of educational books for children, as well as a craft activity area for kids. Shoppers will also have the opportunity to donate a book to the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium, a 501 (c) (3) partnership dedicated to tutoring Alexandria's kindergarteners and first graders in literacy skills.

 

Usborne Books will offer dozens of selections for purchase, with an emphasis on social studies and other educational areas. Books about animals and natural history, classic fiction, health, science, and early civilizations will be available, as well as atlases, biographies, encyclopedias, and a selection of books introducing foreign languages. Usborne will be featuring a variety of children's titles suitable for all ages, from newborns through middle school-age youngsters.

 

A percentage of the sales will benefit The Lyceum's education and collections programs, but this holiday book fair gives shoppers the chance to help Alexandria's youngest students by purchasing a book from a "wish list" to donate to the Alexandria Tutoring Consortium (ATC). ATC will then give the books to students in their program to encourage them to read and develop their own personal library. ATC is a partnership of Alexandria's faith community, the City, the community at large and the City's public elementary schools that recruits, trains and matches volunteers from congregations, community groups, businesses and City employees to tutor kindergarteners and first graders. ATC's mission is to provide the foundation for future learning success by helping ensure all first and second graders in Alexandria City Public Schools can read at or above grade level by the end of second grade.

 

The Lyceum, Alexandria's History Museum, is located at 201 South Washington Street in Old Town Alexandria and is open Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.

 

For more information, call 703.746.4994 or visit www.alexandriahistory.org.

USDA Survey Opportunity - Receive a Gift Card for Participation

The USDA is conducting a nutrition survey to learn about the eating habits of children and adults. Given that only 5% of Americans follow the recommended dietary guidelines, we are interested in learning about the factors that prevent and promote compliance with the guidelines. Participants will be asked about their eating habits, physical activity levels, and lifestyle.

What: Help Americans eat towards a healthier lifestyle by 1) completing a survey about your eating habits and lifestyle, and 2) getting your height and weight measured. All surveys are completely anonymous and will be kept confidential. Entire process will take less than 2 hours. The survey will be administered to both student and parent/caregiver. 

Who: 5th grade students in DC metro area public schools AND their parent/caregiver

Where: Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria, VA 

When: Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 12:30 PM 

Compensation: $25 gift card to Target/participant ($50/household) 

How: Contact Grace via phone at301.504.6052 or via email atGrace.Ha@ars.usda.gov to confirm your participation or to obtain additional information.

Alexandria Library - Calendar of Events - November 2011

All Alexandria Library branches will be closed for the Thanksgiving Day Holiday, Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 (in lieu of Veterans Day).

Charles E. Beatly, Jr. Central Library 5005 Duke Street, 22304 Tel: 703.746.1702 Fax: 703.746.1763  Mon-Thurs 10am - 9pm; Fri 10am - 6pm; Sat 10am - 5pm; Sun 1pm - 5pm CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS: *registration required for story times: please call 703-746-1702x5 or visit the children's desk. *LITTLE ONE-DERS, Mondays, November 7, 14 & 28, at 10:30 or11:15 am, ages 12 to 23 months, with an adult. *TIME FOR 2's, Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15 & 29, or Wednesdays, November 2, 9, 16 & 30, at 10:30 am, for ages 24 to 36 months, with an adult. *BABY RHYME TIME, Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15 & 29, at 11:30 am, for ages 0 to 11 months, with an adult. *STORY TIME, Thursdays, November 3, 10 & 17, at 10:30 am or 3 pm, for ages 3 to 5 (children only). *PAWS TO READ (Kids Read to Dogs) with PAL (People Animals Love). Thursdays, November 3 & 17 for 1st through 6th graders. Fifteen-minute sessions from 5:30 to 6:30 pm. Call 703-746-1702x5 or visit the children's desk to sign up.

James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch Library 2501 Commonwealth Avenue, 22301 Tel: 703-746-1705, Fax: 703-746-1785 Mon 10am-7pm; Tues 10am-7pm; Wed 1pm-9pm; Thurs 10am-7pm;Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-5pm CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS: PAJAMA TIME, Wednesday, Nov. 9, 7 pm. Ages 3 to 7 only. BABY TIME, Mondays, November 7, 14 & 28, at 11 am, for ages 0 - 11 months, with an adult. Sign-up half hour before story time. No storytime on November 21. STORIES & SONGS, Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15 & 29, at 10 or 11 am , for ages 1 - 4, with an adult. Sign-up half hour before 11 amstory time. THURSDAY STORY TIME, Thursdays, November 10 & 17, at 11 am, for ages 3 to 5, without an adult. MOTHER GOOSE TIME, Thursdays, November 10 & 17, ages 12 - 24 months, 10 am, with adult. Limited to 25 children. JEWELRY MAKING BONANZA, Saturday, November 12, from 2 to 4 pm. For ages 15 and up. Registration required. STORIES & SONGS IN SPANISH, Mondays, November 7 & 21, at 10 am, for ages 0 - 5, with an adult. NATURE PROGRAM, Wednesday, November 16, at 3:30 pm. For grades K to 5 only. ANIMAL SHELTER VISIT, Monday, November 21, at 3 pm. For grades K to 5 only.

Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library 4701 Seminary Road, 22304 Tel: 703-746-1704, Fax: 703-746-1775  Mon 10am-9pm; Tues & Wed 10am-7pm; Thurs 1pm-9pm; Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-5pm CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS: TUESDAY TOTS, Tuesdays, November 1, 8, 15, 22 & 29, at 11 am, ages 2 to 3, with an adult. PAJAMA PARTY, Thursdays, November 3, 10 & 17, at 7 pm, ages 3 to 6, with an adult.

Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library 717 Queen Street, 22314 Tel: 703-746-1703, Fax: 703-746-1708  Mon 1pm-9pm; Tues 10am-9pm; Wed & Thurs 10am-7pm; Fri 10am-6pm; Sat 10am-5pm CHILDREN'S PROGRAMS: MOTHER GOOSE TIME, Tuesdays & Wednesday, November 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 29 and 30, at 10:15 am, for ages 12-24 months. Select one program per week to attend. STORIES TO GROW ON, Tuesdays & Wednesday, November 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 29 and 30, at 11 am, ages 2 & up. Select one program per week to attend with your child. STORY TIME, Thursdays, November 3, 10 & 17, at 4 pm, ages 3 & up, without an adult.

November 19 - Preparing for a Ball at Gadsby's Tavern

Balls were a favorite thing for girls to do in the 18th century! Now at Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, explore the tavern where famous balls like George Washington's Birthnight Ball were held and practice the tasks involved in preparing for a ball. The hour-long programs begin at 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m., and include an 18th-century dance lesson and a craft to take home! Admission is $6 per person and reservations are required, so call 703.746.4739 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org for more information.

City of Alexandria Announces 2011 Holiday Concert Series

Enjoy the festive sounds of the season in Alexandria as a break between shopping, on your way to dinner, or just to get into the holiday spirit.  Come enjoy local performers with their rich talent as they entertain you during this festive time of year   Types of music featured include barbershop, folk, Hanukah favorites, hand bell ringers and good old fashioned caroling.

All the performances are free and held outdoors.  Concerts will be cancelled due to inclement weather. For up to date information, call the City's Special Events Hotline at 703.746.5592.

For a complete list of Holiday Concerts, visitwww.alexandriava.gov/Concerts.

The public is encouraged to take public transit or walk to the event. Visitors to Old Town can take the Metrorail lines to the King Street Station, and then take the free King Street Trolley to the event. For DASH schedule information, call 703.370.DASH or visit dashbus.com.   For Metrobus schedule information, call 202.637.7000 or visitwmata.com. For a parking map, visitalexandriava.gov/12490.
 

Holiday Season Fun at “Tavern Toddlers” Weekly Open Playtime Continues Through December 19

With the busy holiday season picking up, parents and caregivers can still take their little ones to play at Tavern Toddlers! The weekly open playtime at Gadsby's Tavern Museum,134 North Royal Street, continues throughMonday, December 19. Caregivers, toddlers (walkers through 36 months) and visiting relatives can stop in on Mondays from 10:30 a.m. to noon to play in the historic ballroom.

 

Save these play dates and join the group for crafts, dancing and lots of room to explore!

 

November 21

November 28

December 5

December 12

December 19

 

No reservations required. Each week costs $7 for a group of three, which must include one adult, and additional people are just $3. A five-visit pass costs $30, never expires, and includes up to three people. The spring session will kick off on Monday, January 23.

 

Gadsby's Tavern Museum is located in the heart of Old Town Alexandria and is owned and operated by the City of Alexandria.

 

For more information, please call703.746.4242 or visitwww.gadsbystavern.org.

Mousequerade Ball for Kids - Oct. 22

Come to Gadsby’s for storytime, a craft and the Mousequerade Ball! Author Cheryl Barnes will be on hand to sign her book, "Alexander, the Old Town Mouse" and read the story of Alexander and his ball at Gadsby’s. Then dance in the same ballroom as Alexander and George Washington! Recommended for ages 4-7. Costumes welcome, but not required. Reservations recommended. $10 per child; adult with paid child is free!

• Date(s): 10/22/2011 - 10/22/2011
• Time: 1 - 2 p.m.
• Location: Gadsby's Tavern Museum Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
• Phone: (703) 746-4242
• Visit Website
• Admission: $10/child (adult free with paid child)

Fall Harvest Family Days, Oct. 22-23

Mount Vernon welcomes the autumn season with Fall Harvest Family Days! The entire family enjoys autumn activities including wagon rides, wheat treading in the 16-sided barn, 18th-century dancing demonstrations, a straw bale maze, farrier (blacksmithing) demonstrations, apple-roasting, corn husk dolls demonstrations and early-American games and music. Potomac River sightseeing cruises are half-price.

• Time: 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
• Location: Mount Vernon: George Washington's Estate & Gardens Mount Vernon Estate & Gardens, 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway, Mount Vernon, VA 22121
• Phone: (703) 780-2000
• Visit Website
• Admission: $15/adult, $7/child, 5 and under free.

Fire Stations Open for Fire Prevention Week

In an effort to prevent home fires before they start, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department will host Fire Prevention Week Open House, Saturday, October 15, 2011, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at all stations throughout the county. The theme for Fire Prevention Week is, "It's Fire Prevention Week. Protect Your Family From Fire!"

Firefighters and paramedics will have displays and activities emphasizing fire safety, including preventing fires and fire injuries, especially in the home. Residents are encouraged to visit a nearby fire and rescue station to participate in the activities and learn more about fire safety.

To learn more about fire prevention go to www.firepreventionweek.org.

Blazing a Trail: Alexandria’s Firefighting History Walking Tour

During National Fire Prevention Week, explore Alexandria’s firefighting history on this special walking tour. Learn about volunteer firefighting in early Alexandria, including the five fire stations, three major fires, and how the Union occupation during the Civil War affected firefighting. Tour begins and ends at the historic Friendship Firehouse. Space is limited so pre-purchase of tickets is required. Note: Tour will not interest small children but may be of interest to kids 10 and older.

• Date(s): 10/15/2011 - 10/15/2011
• Time: 1-2:30 p.m.
• Location: Friendship Firehouse Friendship Firehouse, 107 S. Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
• Phone: (703) 746-4994
• Visit Website
• Admission: $6 for adults/$4 for youth (ages 10 to 17)  

Family Fun Fair - everyone Welcome on October 29

Arts Safari & Museum Open House

Saturday, October 9, noon to 4 p.m.

Alexandria Archaeology Museum, 105 North Union Street, #327

The Torpedo Factory Art Center hosts its annual Alexandria Arts Safari, a festival of hands-on arts and crafts activities for kids and their families. The Potter’s Art activity presented in the Alexandria Archaeology Museum is designed for kids of all ages! Learn to identify 19th-century Alexandria potters from the designs applied to salt-glazed stoneware pottery, and create your own take-home drawing at this free family event.

Arts Safari & Museum Open House 10/8/11

The Torpedo Factory Art Center hosts its annual Alexandria Arts Safari, a festival of hands-on arts and crafts activities for kids and their families. The Potter’s Art activity presented in the Alexandria Archaeology Museum is designed for kids of all ages! Learn to identify 19th-century Alexandria’s potters from the designs applied to salt-glazed stoneware pottery and create your own take-home drawing. Free!

• Date(s): 10/08/2011 - 10/08/2011
• Time: noon to 4 p.m.
• Location: Alexandria Archaeology Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
• Phone: (703) 746-4399
• Visit Website
• Admission: Free!

Tall Ship Godspeed at Alexandria's City Marina

The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation will dock the 17th century replica tall ship, Godspeed, from Sunday, October 7 to Monday, October 10. Educational programming will be available on October 4-7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and unscheduled public tours will be available on October 4-7 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.; October 8 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; and October 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.   

• Date(s): 10/04/2011 - 10/10/2011
• Recurring daily
• Time: Hours vary - see schedule below
• Location: Alexandria Marina, Behind the Torpedo Factory
• Phone: (703) 838-4265
• Visit Website
• Admission: Free!

–Children’s ID Program

The Fairfax County Sheriff's Office will host a children's-ID program at theMcLean Governmental Center, 1437 Balls Hill Road on Saturday, October 1  11am-2pm.

Free, laminated IDs that include a photo, thumbprints and other information will be created that can be used by public-safety officials in case a child goes missing.  The process takes less than four minutes and uses inkless technology, county officials said.  For information, call Capt. Stacey Kincaid at (703) 246-3673 or e-mailstacey.kincaid@fairfaxcounty.gov.

Enjoy the Great Outdoors with Park Activities for Sept 24, 2011

Wild Side Wagon Ride: Take a 90-minute tractor ride with a naturalist to parts ofHuntley Meadows that are difficult to reach on foot. Relax as you ride through forest, meadow and wetland habitats. Look for songbirds, wildflowers, butterflies and waterfowl, then stop for a snack at the observation platform. Meet at the South King's Highway entrance to the park. 2 and 4 p.m. (Saturday and Sunday.) Huntley Meadows Park. $6/person. Register online. For information, call 703-768-2525. 

Fall Equinox Hike: Celebrate the arrival of fall with a naturalist-guided two-mile hike. See and feel the changes that are triggered by the shortening days. This hike is appropriate for adults and children age 6 and older. 2 to 3:30 p.m. Potomac Overlook Park. Free. For reservations (required) call 703-528-5405.

Mason District Park Fall Festival: Enjoy police and fire demonstrations, children's activities including moonbounces and pony rides, shopping for crafts, live entertainment, food vendors and more. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mason District Park. Free (ride tickets available for purchase). For information call 703-941-1730.

Smithsonian Museum Day Offers Free Admission to Three Alexandria Museums on September 24

 Local Museums Open for Free on Museum Day


Three Historic Alexandria museums are participating in the Smithsonian’s seventh annual Museum Day on Saturday, September 24. On that day, Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, Alexandria Archaeology Museum, and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum will be offering free admission to anyone presenting a Museum Day Ticket. 


The Museum Day Ticket is available to download at www.smithsonian.com/museumday. Visitors who present the official pass will gain free admission for two people to participating museums and cultural venues. In 2010, Museum Day participants downloaded 227,747 tickets resulting in more than 500,000 museum-goers visiting over 1,300 venues in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.


Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, consists of two buildings, a ca. 1785 tavern and the 1792 City Hotel, which are named for John Gadsby who operated them from 1796 to 1808. His establishment was a center of political, business, and social life in early Alexandria. The tavern was the setting for dancing assemblies, theatrical and musical performances, and meetings of local organizations. George Washington enjoyed hospitality there and twice attended the annual Birthnight Ball held in his honor. Other prominent patrons included John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, and the Marquis de Lafayette. Visitors to the historic tavern will learn about the history, architecture, decorative arts, social customs, food, and clothing of a past era. For more information, please visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703.746.4242.


At the Alexandria Archaeology Museum, located inside the Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 North Union Street, #327), visitors can discover Alexandria’s once-buried past through artifacts and excavations. Learn about the archaeology and history unearthed during the Lee Street site excavation with the exhibit, “A Community Digs Its Past,” and see unique artifacts from an 18th-century wharf, 19th-century taverns, and a Civil War hospital. Also on display is Alexandria’s oldest artifact, a 13,000-year-old Clovis point recovered in 2007. For more information, please visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org or call 703.746.4399.


The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax Street, is noted for its outstanding collection of shop furnishings, apothecary bottles and equipment, and archival materials, many still in their original location. When the Apothecary closed during the Depression in 1933, the doors were simply locked, preserving the contents for history. More than 8,000 objects, including pill rollers, mortars and pestles, drug mills, and hand-blown glass medicine bottles with gold-leaf labels, were left in place. Medicinal herbs and paper labels remain in their wooden drawers. Large show-globes from the mid-19th century remain in the windows. It also has a spectacular collection of archival materials, including journals, letters and diaries, prescription and formula books, ledgers, orders and invoices. The names of famous customers appear in the documents, including Martha Washington, Nelly Custis and Robert E. Lee. For more information, please visit www.apothecarymuseum.org or call 703.746.3852.

Mason District Park Festival Offers Neighborhood Fun, Sept 24

Fall must be here if it's time for the annual Mason District Park Festival at Mason District Park in Annandale, Va. Join in the seasonal spectacular on Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. Festival goers will find live entertainment, crafts, hayrides, pony rides and a moon bounce. Children will love the rides and spectators of all ages can watch the police and fire department demonstrations as well.

This year's live entertainment includes:

10 a.m. - DinoRock (Puppet Show) The DinoRockers invite you to meet eight wacky oddballs from the Mesozoic Era, including the thick-headed Pachycephalosaurus; Lumpy and his son Bumpy; Sarah, the Saharan Suchomimus who's only thought is of eating fish; the very cool Elvis, the Cryolophosaurus found in Antarctica, and the little lost T-Rex toddler named Wuzzy, who has feathers!

11 a.m. - Hui O Ka Pua `Ilima (Hawaiian Dance & Music) Hui O Ka Pua `Ilima performs traditional and contemporary songs and dances of Hawaii and the Polynesian islands of New Zealand and Tahiti.

12:15 p.m. - Chin Hamaya Culture Center (Okinawan Dance & Music) Enjoy the beauty of traditional Okinawan music and dance combined with dragon and lion dances.

1:15 p.m. - Fairfax Swing Band (Swing Music) In the tradition of Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and other big bands of the '40s, the Fairfax Swing Band has been wowing audiences since 1989 with music from the big band era through today's contemporary sounds.

2:15 p.m. -- The Reunion Music Society Jazz Orchestra (Jazz Music) Led by NOVA's Professor of Jazz Studies Herb Smith, the Reunion Music Society Jazz Orchestra performs selections from jazz notables such as Duke Ellington, Charlie Bird and Miles Davis along with songs from Broadway shows.

Admission to the festival is free and tickets can be purchased for individual rides.

Mason District Park is located at 6621 Columbia Pike in Annandale, Va. Directions are as follows: Beltway Exit 52B (Little River Turnpike, Rt. 236) east two miles to right at John Marr Drive to right onto Columbia Pike to park entrance on right just before Sleepy Hollow Road.

For more information, please call 703-941-1730.