ARHA and the Charles Houston Recreation Center Host Santa’s Winter Wonderland

The Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority (ARHA) and the Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities will host the second annual Santa's Winter Wonderland from Monday, December 20 through Wednesday, December 22 at the Charles Houston Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson St. ARHA and the Charles Houston Recreation Center will welcome hundreds of children to a holiday celebration filled with gifts from Santa, music, food, mimes and a host of festive activities. The schedule of activities is as follows:• Monday, December 20 & Tuesday, December 21 - Open to the General Public6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Christmas music, holiday activities, refreshments and unwrapped gift donations• Wednesday, December 225 p.m. – Santa arrives on his Big Red Fire Truck5 p.m. to 9 p.m. – Santa and his Elves present gifts and holiday treats to children The 2010 event is made possible through the help of a variety of community-based organizations and private corporations who are providing volunteers, financial support, and in-kind donations. Special guests include ARHA Board Members, Congressman Jim Moran, Mayor William D. Euille, City Officials, and other Business and Community residents. Come out to join Santa and his elves as they hand out toys and treats to the children from ARHA land in the festive Winter Wonderland Village. For additional information, contact Sandra Fowler at 703.549.7115, ext. 231 or by email at sfowler@arha.us.

Duncan Library Open House - December 15

FRIENDS OF DUNCAN LIBRARY: Please join the Friends of Duncan Library and the Duncan Library Staff for the annual Duncan Library Holiday Open House on Wednesday, Dec. 15 from 6pm to 8:30pm, featuring holiday cheer, jazz from Project Natale (starting at 6:30pm) and an Author Talk from award-winning local novelist Thomas Kaufman at 7:30pm. In the spirit of the season, please consider bringing a new, unwrapped toy for Community Partners for Children.

James M. Duncan, Jr. Branch, 2501 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria, VA 22301

December 11 & December 12 – Annual Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours –

• Four Historic Sites Take a break from the fast pace of the season and experience the unique charm and history of Old Town Alexandria at its most popular holiday event. Tour Gadsby's Tavern Museum (134 North Royal Street), Carlyle House (121 North Fairfax Street), Lee-Fendall House (614 Oronoco Street) and The Athenaeum (201 Prince Street) by candlelight and enjoy seasonal decorations, entertainment and light refreshments. Sunday features kid-friendly tours and a special activity! The tour is self-guided, and the sites may be visited in any order, with a free shuttle running in a continuous loop among the sites. 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, please visit www.historicalexandria.org or call 703.746.4242.

December 11 – Kwanzaa Events – Alexandria Black History MuseumThe Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe Street, is hosting three Kwanzaa events. The Pre-Kwanzaa Program, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., is a free event exploring the history and significance of Kwanzaa. Participants will learn about the principles of Kwanzaa, a seven-day cultural celebration that begins December 26 and ends January 1. Brian Sales, who studied with Kwanzaa founder Dr. Maulana Karenga, will instruct participants in the basic history of Kwanzaa, provide advice on celebrating it at home, and perform a traditional libation ceremony. Then from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., families can take part in a Children's Kwanzaa Craft Workshop. Jessica Smith, founder of Culture Kingdom Kids, and Kwanzaa educator Pier Penic will direct children (ages 4-12) and their parents in making Kwanzaa crafts. This event will be located in the Museum's Watson Reading Room. Advance reservations are requested and a $5 fee covers craft supplies. Finally, 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. Narrated by Maya Angelou, "The Black Candle" 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. For more information, call 703.746.4356 or visit www.alexblackhistory.org.