To have an item listed in the calendar, mail to Calendar Editor, 1610 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314; fax to 703-917-0991; or e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Tuesday at noon for the following week’s paper. Photos are welcome.
THURSDAY, DEC. 12
George Mason Elementary School Musicians. Market Square, 301 King St. 12:15 p.m. Call 703-883-4686.
Charles Barrett Recreation Center performance. Market Square, 301 King St. 7:30 p.m. Call 703-883-4686.
Business Networking Reception. 5-7 p.m. Community Business Partnerships (CBP), 6911 Richmond Highway, Suite 290. Along with networking there will be a mini-expo of CBP clients.
Christmas Fantasy Luncheon. Fort Belvoir Officers Club. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Festive holiday music with the King Street Singers, last-minute gift ideas display. $12. Includes luncheon and child care. Reservations should be made by Dec. 9. Call Virginia at 703-455-6881 or Ginny at 703-569-4670.
Christmas Shopping with Charles Houston Senior Center at Potomac Mills. Call Vanessa Greene at 703-838-4832.
FRIDAY, DEC. 13
Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tours. Self-guided tour features four decorated historic sites. Light refreshments served and transportation available between sites. 7-9:30 p.m. Tickets $15 adults, $12 seniors 65 and older, and $5 children 6-17 before Dec. 7. Tickets $20 adults and $15 seniors after Dec. 7. Call 703-549-2997.
The U.S. Air Force Band. George Washington Masonic National Memorial at 8 p.m. Free. Call 703-683-2007.
The Friday Nighters Dancing Club. Fairhaven Community Center, 2409 Fort Drive. Ballroom dancing to the live music of The Family. 9 p.m. - midnight. Guest fee is $12.50. Reservations recommended. Call 703-799-3068.
St. Matthew's United Church English Handbell Ringers. Market Square, 301 King St. 7:30 p.m. Call 703-883-4686.
Mount Vernon-Lee Enterprises Holiday Celebration. Holiday Inn, Tysons Corner, 1950 Chain Bridge Road. Holiday dinner, Christmas Carol sing-a-longs, memory moment photo booth, dancing. 7 p.m. $30 per person. 703-893-2100.
‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ will be performed at The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St. at 8 p.m. Call 703-683-0496.
SATURDAY, DEC. 14
NC singer/songwriter Kim Buchanan with David Morreale. The View. $12. For reservations/directions, contact Lynn Vermillera at concertview@yahoo.com, or call 703-237-5873. Doors open at 7 p.m. Show starts at 8.
Historic Alexandria Candlelight Tour. At four of Old Town Alexandria's premier historic sites. Featuring period music, seasonal decorations and special tours of historic buildings. 6 - 9 p.m. Tickets $15 for adults, $12 for seniors (65 and older) and $5 for children 6-17. After Dec. 7, ticket prices increase to $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and remain the same for children 6 - 17. Call Carlyle House at 703-549-2997.
Fort Ward's Civil War Christmas in Camp. Fort Ward museum, located at 4301 W. Braddock Road. Learn how the holiday was observed during the Civil War, with living-history interpreters, period music and more. 1-4 p.m. Call 703-838-4848.
Third Annual Holiday Parade of Boats. More than 50 decorated boats light up Alexandria's historic waterfront. 5-6 p.m. Free. Call 703-838-5005.
Breakfast & Canoeing with Santa. Enjoy a full-course breakfast and canoe ride in the pool with Santa. Have your picture taken with Santa. 10 a.m. $3 per child/$4 per adult (includes picture with Santa). YMCA Alexandria, 420 E Monroe Ave. Call 703-838-8085.
Christmas Concert. The Bishop Ireton Symphonic Wind Ensemble and Concert Band. Garwood Whaley Auditorium, Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Road. $3 adults, $2 for 12 and under. Call 703-212-5162.
20th Christmas Art Show and Sale. Von Brahler Gallery, 1437 Powhatan St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 703-798-8686.
‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ will be performed at The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St. at 2 and 4 p.m. Call 703-683-0496.
SUNDAY, DEC. 15
Laura Kafka, soprano, and Rosanne Conway, piano. Works by Chopin, Gounod, Paderewski, Purcell, Richard Strauss and others. 3 p.m. The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Part of the Virginia Salon Series. $22 at the door, $20 in advance. Call 301-840-4336, or e-mail virginia_salon_series@hotmail.com.
First Christian Church of Alexandria choir. Market Square, 301 King St. 2 p.m. Call 703-883-4686.
Kissing Ball Tea. Learn the secrets to making this Victorian substitute for mistletoe at Green Spring Gardens. 4603 Green Spring Road. $22. Call 703-642-5173.
Colonial Ringers Handbell Concert. Sing-a-long of Christmas carols. The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. 3 p.m. Free. Call 703-838-4994.
Holiday Pops Concert. NOVA Community Chorus and the Arlington Symphony. Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, Northern Virginia Community College, 3001 N. Beauregard St. 5 p.m. $10 - $38. Call 703-845-6097.
"An Early American Christmas." Adult Choir and instrumentalists in music will perform music of 18th and 19th century America at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, located at 321 South Fairfax St. Call 703-549-6670.
Tis the Season: ACS Annual Family Holiday Concert. Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church, 2006 Belle View Blvd. 5 p.m. Tickets $15-35. Call 703-548-4734.
Living Nativity Scene. A narration of the Christmas story with actors, live animals, lights and music. The front lawn of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, at the corner of Fort Hunt and Collingwood roads. Performances at 6, 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Free. Call 703-765-6555 or visit www.aldersgate.net.
Annual Musical Holiday Service. Washington Street United Methodist Church, 115 S. Washington St. Featuring Handel's “Messiah” (Part 1), with orchestra. A voluntary donation will be accepted. Call 703-836-4324 or visit www.wsumc.com.
20th Christmas Art Show and Sale. Von Brahler Gallery, 1437 Powhatan St. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Call 703-798-8686.
"Bethlehem Street." Washington Farm United Methodist Church, 3921 Old Mill Road. 5:30-7 p.m. Take a walk on the night Jesus was born. Meet Roman Soldiers, potters, census takers, synagogue worshipers, families, the shepherds, and the angels who visit them. Call 703-780-4696 or 703-780-7888.
“Yule Be Swingin.” Hear your holiday favorites sung with a twist by the Alexandria Singers. Special appearance by Santa Claus. Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Road. Reserved seats $20; adults $15; seniors, students and active military $10; children 6 and under $5. Call 703-941-7464 for tickets.
Christmas Pageant and Live Nativity. Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2701 Cameron Mills Road. Pageant at 5 p.m. in church sanctuary. Live nativity at 5:45 p.m.
‘The Best Christmas Pageant Ever’ will be performed at The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St. at 2 and 4 p.m. Call 703-683-0496.
MONDAY, DEC. 16
Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce Holiday Party And Public Safety Awards. The historic Cedar Knoll Inn on the Potomac, 9030 Lucia Lane. Reception and networking at 6:30 p.m., dinner and awards at 7:30 p.m. Special entertainment by Wendy Lane Bailey. Make a reservation by e-mail at Info@mtvernon-leechamber.org, or call 703-360-6925.
Living Nativity Scene. A narration of the Christmas story with actors, live animals, lights and music. The front lawn of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, at the corner of Fort Hunt and Collingwood roads. Performances at 6, 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Free. Call 703-765-6555 or visit www.aldersgate.net.
TUESDAY, DEC. 17
Alexandria Choral Society Midseason Auditions. Dec. 17. 6-7:30 p.m. by appointment. Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 100 W. Luray Ave. (on Braddock Road between Russell and Commonwealth). Concerts in March and May. Call 703-548-4734 or e-mail trish@alexchoralsociety.org.
Living Nativity Scene. A narration of the Christmas story with actors, live animals, lights and music. The front lawn of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, at the corner of Fort Hunt and Collingwood roads. Performances at 6, 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. Free. Call 703-765-6555 or visit www.aldersgate.net.
Restaurant night. Dishes of India, 1510 Belleview Blvd. Benefit for United Community Ministries Inc. (UCM). A portion of the sales goes directly to UCM. 5-10 p.m. Call 703-660-6085.
"Annie." Performed by Young People Incorporated. Integrated Health Services of NOVA. 2:30 p.m. Call 703-684-9100, ext. 224.
WEDNESDAY, DEC. 18
Build a Birdhouse. Preschoolers 3-5 tour a birdhouse exhibit made by Columbia Elementary students and make a birdhouse. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. 9:30-11:15 a.m. $5 per child per session. Non-refundable. Limit 15 children per class. Call 703-642-5173.
Handel's “Messiah.” The Little Theater at Mount Vernon High School, 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road. $5 per person. 7:30 p.m. Call Kevin Sapp at 703-619-3139.
THURSDAY, DEC. 19
Build a Birdhouse. Preschoolers 3-5 tour a birdhouse exhibit made by Columbia Elementary students and make a birdhouse. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. 9:30-11:15 a.m. $5 per child per session. Non-refundable. Limit 15 children per class. Call 703-642-5173.
Christmas Shopping with Charles Houston Senior Center in D.C. Call Vanessa Greene at 703-838-4832.
Handel's “Messiah.” The Little Theater at Mount Vernon High School, 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road. $5 per person. 7:30 p.m. Call Kevin Sapp at 703-619-3139.
FRIDAY, DEC. 20
Build a Birdhouse. Preschoolers 3-5 tour a birdhouse exhibit made by Columbia Elementary students and make a birdhouse. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. 9:30-11:15 a.m. $5 per child per session. Non-refundable. Limit 15 children per class. Call 703-642-5173.
The U.S. Air Force Band. George Washington Masonic National Memorial. 8 p.m. Free. Call 703-683-2007.
Janice Martin, violin, and Steven Beck, piano. “A Stradivari Christmas,” a musical narrative for the holidays. 3 p.m. The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Part of the Virginia Salon Series. $32 at the door, $30 in advance. Call 301-840-4336, or e-mail virginia_salon_series@hotmail.com.
SATURDAY, DEC. 21
Janice Martin, violin, and Steven Beck, piano. “A Stradivari Christmas,” a musical narrative for the holidays. 8 p.m. The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Part of the Virginia Salon Series. $32 at the door, $30 in advance. Call 301-840-4336, or e-mail virginia_salon_series@hotmail.com.
Second Annual Huntington Christmas Caroling. Residents and friends of Huntington are invited and encouraged to participate. Carolers will meet in the cul-de-sac in the 2100 Block of Farrington Avenue at 7:30 p.m. Coffee, cocoa, donuts and song sheets will be provided. Dress warmly, wear bright colors, and bring your flashlight.
Book Signing. Artist Howard Behrens will sign copies of his book "Romance with the Sun." Broadway Gallery, 1219 King St. 2-4 p.m. There will be a full display of Behrens' paintings, and refreshments will be served. Call Anita Hagan at 703-549-1162.
SUNDAY, DEC. 22
Janice Martin, violin, and Steven Beck, piano. “A Stradivari Christmas.” 3 p.m. The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Part of the Virginia Salon Series. $32 at the door, $30 in advance. Call 301-840-4336 or e-mail virginia_salon_series@hotmail.com.
Community Carol sing. The Mount Vernon Orchestra Association (MOVA). St. Aidan's Episcopal Church, 8531 Riverside Road. 5 - 7 p.m. Free. Donations to orchestra accepted. Call the MOVA office at 703-799-8229 or St. Aidan's at 703-360-4220.
TUESDAY, DEC. 24
Christmas Eve Service. Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 South Fairfax St. Music by Children's Choirs and Adult Choir, Strings, Harp and Organ. Call 703-549-6670.
EXHIBITS & SHOWS
"Home for the Holidays." West End Dinner Theatre, 4615 Duke St. Through Dec. 31. $33-39. Tuesday-Sunday evenings: dinner 6 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Sunday and Wednesday matinees: dinner at noon, show starts 2 p.m. Call 703-370-2500.
Book Fair. Carl Sandburg Middle School, 8428 Fort Hunt Road. Through Dec. 13. The auxiliary cafeteria, across from the auditorium. The Book Fair will be open during school hours and the evenings of Dec. 10 and 11 from 6-7 p.m., before the band concerts. Call Cheryl Phillips at 703-799-6129.
"Freaking Out Loud." The Old Town Theater, 815-1/5 King Street. Dec. 13-14, 20-21, 27-28 at 8 p.m. Tickets $17. Call 703-535-8022.
Winter Art Exhibition and Sale. Adams-Byrd Fine Arts and Antiques, 8747 Cooper Road. Exhibition and sale of over 300 original oil paintings, watercolors, drawings, engravings, etchings and serigraphs. Through February. Call 703-799-8700.
Holidays at Mount Vernon. See the mansion adorned with fresh greenery and hear stories about how George and Martha Washington celebrated the holidays at Mount Vernon. Visitors are also invited to tour the third floor of the mansion, rarely open to the public. Complimentary hot cider, cookies and holiday caroling around a bonfire. Call 703-780-2000.
"Gifts for the Holidays." Grey House Potters' annual show. through Dec. 24, 5509 Wilson Blvd. in Arlington. Advent rings, menorahs, ornaments, pottery, candle holders and more. Hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Holiday hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; noon-4 p.m. Sunday; and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Dec. 24. Call 703-522-7738.
“The Nutcracker.” The Athenaeum, 201 Prince St. in Alexandria, Dec. 14, 15, 21 and 22. Nonmembers: adults $12, children $9. Members: adults $10, children $7. Reservations required. Call 703-548-0456.
"Gather the Family: An Early American Holiday at Woodlawn." Sunday evenings, Dec. 15, 22, and 29. Reservations required. First tour at 5:30 p.m., last tour at 8 p.m. Availability is limited. $15 adults, $5 children K-12. Proceeds assist the nonprofit house museum. Call 703-780-4000, Ext. 27.
10th Annual Small Paintings Show. Featuring works by over 20 artists. Prince Royal Gallery, 204 S. Royal St. Through Dec. 31. Gallery open from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday, 1 p.m.-5 p.m. Sunday. Call 703-548-5151.
"A Tribute to All Things Magical." Del Ray Artisans, Nicholas Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Dec. 13-29. Gala opening, Dec. 13, 7 p.m.-midnight. Winter Solstice party, Dec. 21, 8 p.m.-midnight. Gallery open Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays, 12-4 p.m. Call 703-838-4827.
"The Artistry of African Currency." The Alexandria Black History Center, 638 N. Alfred St. Dec. 12-Jan. 26. Tuesday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday, 1-5 p.m. Opening reception Dec. 12, 6-8 p.m. R.S.V.P. by calling 703-838-4356.
"Reflections on a Life." Retrospective exhibit of work by Alexandria artist Lilian Eisenberg. Gallery G, 215 King St. Through Dec. 20.
Small Works 2002. Broadway Gallery, 1219 King St. Original artwork measuring no longer than 20 inches. Dec. 12-31. Reception Dec. 12, 6-9 p.m. A portion of the proceeds benefit the Shelley A. Marshall Foundation, sponsoring creative activities for children and seniors in the D.C. metro area. Call 703-549-1162.
The Crummles' Christmas Carol. Metro Stage, 1201 N. Royal St. in Alexandria. Dec. 10-Jan. 5. Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., Sunday at 7 p.m. $30. Call 703-548-9044 or visit www.metrostage.org.
"The Best Christmas Pageant Ever." The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St. Dec. 13 at 8 p.m., and Dec. 14 and 15 at 2 and 4 p.m. Call 703-683-0496.
“Mount Vernon by Candlelight.” 5-8 p.m. Dec. 13, 14 and 15. Walk back in time along candlelit paths to a typical 18th-century Christmas. Visitors will be treated to a rare tour of the mansion's third floor, normally open to the public only during the holiday season. The Food Court Pavilion and shops will be open until 9 p.m. during the event. Call 703-799-8607.
Small Works Show. Gallery West, the member-operated fine art gallery, 205 S. Union St. Through Dec. 24. Two blocks south of the Torpedo Factory Art Center. Call 703-644-0786.
"Generations: Costume in Alexandria." The Lyceum, Alexandria's history museum, 201 S. Washington St. Through Feb. 23. The exhibition will feature a collection of clothing dating back more than a century. The museum is open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 1 - 5 p.m., Sundays. Call 703-838-4994.
"Art-4-Kids." The Art League, the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. through Jan. 6. Opening reception Dec. 8 from 2-4 p.m. Call 703-683-1780.
“Holding History: Family Treasures Return to Woodlawn.” Woodlawn Plantation, 9000 Richmond Highway. A vast array of Washington-related objects that were once part of the famous household. Through Dec. 31. Call 703-780-4000.
"The Pirates of Penzance." West End Dinner Theatre, 4615 Duke St. Feb. 20-June 29. $33-39. Tuesday-Sunday evenings: dinner 6 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. Sunday and Wednesday matinees: dinner at noon, show starts 2 p.m. Call 703-370-2500.
"Babes in Toyland." West End Dinner Theatre, 4615 Duke St. Dec. 14, 21, 28. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. No dinner served. $9 per person, or $8 per person with a group of 10 or more. Call 703-370-2500.
"Connections." Seven printmakers create a 448-inch long piece. Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St. Open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Jan. 1-Feb. 28. Call 703-683-1342.
CLASSES & MEETINGS
Yoga classes. St. Mark's Episcopal Church, S. Kings Highway. Mondays, 10-11 a.m. Call Sandy at 703-971-2214 or e-mail JoyfulHeartYoga@aol.com.
Bowling at AMF Penn Daw Lanes. Every Friday with Charles Houston Senior Center. Call Vanessa Greene at 703-838-4832.
Senior Hiking Trips. Maryland Heights Hike Dec. 17 (3.8 miles), Catoctin Mountains Hike on Feb. 5 (5 miles). $25 trip fee includes transportation, leadership and snacks. Lunch will be on your own at a restaurant following the day’s hike. Hikes will be canceled if the day's temperature is expected to be below 40 degrees. All trips will leave and return to the Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St. Each trip will accommodate a minimum of eight and a maximum of 12 hikers. Call 703-838-4831 to register.
Senior exercise classes. Dec. 13, 20 and 27. St. Martins Senior Center, 4650 Taney Ave. 10:30 a.m. Call 703-751-2766.
Toastmasters Club: The Promise Speakers. Toastmasters Club meets on every second and fourth Saturday of each month. Denny's Restaurant, 7214 Richmond Highway. 7:30 a.m. Speeches by members and other speaking activities. Call Liz at 703-360-0790.
The Alexandria Farmers Market. 5-10 a.m. Saturdays year-round. Parking is free in the garage underneath Market Square, 301 King St., during the hours of the market. Call 703-370-8723.
Principles and Practices of Real Estate class. The CBRB School of Real Estate. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Alexandria sales office. Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6-10 p.m., through Jan. 30. To register, call 1-800-992-4794.
Class Action Suite. ReCreations Decorative Consignments, 8804 Pear Tree Village Court, holds classes on various topics. Call 703-360-5100.
Emotions Anonymous. A 12-step fellowship for people whose emotions are causing difficulties in their lives. Every Wednesday. 7:30 p.m. Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, 2001 Sherwood Hall Lane. Call 703-660-8798, or e-mail hemsidan@aaahawk.com.
Florence Melton Mini-School. Agudas Achim Congregation. Once-a-week classes on the foundations of Jewish living and the history of Jewish people. Call Carol or Sam Backman at 703-569-6507.
Greenlight Toastmasters of Old Town, Alexandria seeks new members. Meets at the Lee Center in Old Town the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. 7 p.m. Prospective members are always welcome. Call 703-998-9515.
Metaphysics Classes. The Northern Virginia Branch School of the Institute of Divine Metaphysical Research, 8794 Sacramento Drive. Free public lectures titled “Elohim: The Archetype Pattern of the Universe.” Every Sunday, noon-2 p.m. Every Tuesday and Thursday, 8-10 p.m. Call 703-799-9494.
Yoga Classes. Introductory yoga classes will be held at the Moksa Yoga & Holistic Health Center, 5960 Richmond Highway (Huntington Gateway). Free; donations appreciated. Call 703-317-0060.
* Sunday Mornings, 9-10:15 a.m., Community Yoga Class
* Monday Evenings, 6:15-7:15 p.m., Breathing/Meditation Class
MOMS Club of Alexandria. Meets the last Tuesday of every month. 10 a.m. Fairlington Presbyterian Church, 3846 King St. Club is open to moms living in Alexandria. Call 703-234-3953, Ext. 5318.
MOMS Club of South Alexandria. Meets the second Tuesday of every month. 10:30 a.m. Sunset Hills Baptist Church, 3500 Franconia Road. Club is open to moms and children living in South Alexandria. Call 703-960-3366.
Post Cana of Northern Virginia. Social organization for widows and widowers. Meets the second Monday and fourth Friday of each month. 8 p.m. Second Presbyterian Church, 1400 Janney’s Lane. Call 703-836-1436.
Bird-Watching Club. Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. Meets once a month. Call 703-765-4573.
Book Discussion Group Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. Meets the fourth Wednesday of each month. Call 703-765-4573.
Single-Parent Power. Monthly support group every third Tuesday. 7-8:30 p.m. Sherwood Hall Library, Sherwood Hall Lane. Call 703-339-2962.
Tapestry Theatre Company improv theater group. Meets every Monday. 7 p.m. The Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson St. E-mail to jasonbraswell@hotmail.com or stevenbulk@aol.com.
Winkler Preserve. The Winkler Botanical Preserve, 5400 Roanoke Ave., has nature programs, camps and family events. Call 703-578-7888.
Christian Business Women's Committee. Meets each Wednesday morning to study God's word at the Royal Restaurant in Old Town. Open to any woman who wants to study faith in the workplace, related struggles, issues and successes. Call Pamela Nilsen at 703-519-4475, or e-mail NilsenP@ppnpf.com.
Yoga and Meditation classes. Release stress and experience total relaxation. Saturday mornings. The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Call Jane at 703-549-0484 or e-mail YogaKala@aol.com.
Yoga Classes. Fully certified and registered yoga instructor offers morning, afternoon, evening and weekend classes in Alexandria. For a schedule of classes, visit www.Yoga-Wise.com or call 202-320-5434.
Yoga and Health Studies Center. Classes for beginners to advanced students. 7918 Bolling Drive. Call 703-765-7707 or e-mail to nandg@patriot.net.
NOTICE BOARD
Clothing Drive. The Stratford Woman's Club is collecting clothing for the Mount Vernon Mental Health Center until Dec. 18. Adult winter clothing, such as coats, blankets, gloves and sweaters needed, especially clothes for men. Clothing may be dropped off at 8603 Camden St. in Stratford Landing. Call Mrs. Goeser at 703-780-1219.
Memorial Tree. Place an ornament in memory of loved ones on the Memorial Tree. Participants can write a name and a message. Ornaments provided free of charge. Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home, 1500 West Braddock Road. Through Dec. 22. Home open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Call 703-998-9200.
West Potomac Athletic Booster Club Christmas tree sale. Carl Sandburg Middle School, between the football field and concession stand. through Dec. 19. Open Monday through Friday, 5 p.m.-8 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 703-619-9802.
Girl Scouts Welcomed. Brownie and Junior Girl Scout troop meets at Mount Vernon Rec Center, 2601 Commonwealth Ave. Saturdays at 1 p.m. Registration fee is $7, annual dues are $26. Call 703-519-7423.
Weekend Volunteers Wanted. Huntley Meadows Park is in need of weekend volunteers at the Visitors Center to assist with park visitors for one 5-hour shift per month. No experience is required. All training will be provided. Call 703-324-8750.
Looking for Artists. The Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall & Arts Center is looking for artists to display their work in the Margaret W. & Joseph L. Fisher Art Gallery. All artists and organizations throughout the Northern Virginia area are eligible. Call 703-845-6156.
Musicians Wanted. The Alexandria Citizens Band has openings for instrumental players of all concert band instruments. The group particularly needs French horn, trombone and tuba players, percussionists and an associate conductor. Rehearsals 8-10 p.m. Fridays at Minnie Howard Middle School. Call 703-841-8335.
Black History Center Volunteers. The Alexandria Black History Resource Center, 638 N. Alfred St., needs volunteers who have an interest in Alexandria’s African American history and culture. Volunteers are asked to work two 3-hour shifts every other week. Call 703-0838-4356.
Auxiliary Volunteers. The members of the Inova Mount Vernon Hospital Auxiliary recently completed 25 years of service to the Inova Mount Vernon Hospital and are looking for more volunteers to serve in the Gift Shop, Thrift Shop and other areas of the hospital. If interested, please call 703-664-7260.
New Singers Needed. The Seaport Sounds Chapter of Harmony Inc., a chorus of women singing four-part barbershop harmony, is seeking new members. Rehearsals are Wednesday evenings from 7:30-10 p.m. at the Lee Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson St. No previous choral experience is required. Call 202-332-5273.
Openings in Band. The Alexandria Band of Northern Virginia Community College has openings in all sections. Rehearsals are held Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. at John Adams Elementary School. Call 703-845-6026.
Blood Donations. The Alexandria Red Cross, 123 N. Alfred St., is taking blood donations the second Thursday of every month from 3 - 7 p.m. and the last Tuesday from 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Call 703-549-8300.
Alexandria Black History. The Alexandria Black History Resource Center, 906 Wythe St., needs volunteers to tutor elementary-school students. This program is available to students in grades one to six needing help in reading, writing and math. It also sponsors a book club for African American adults on the third Saturday of the month at 10:30 a.m. in the Watson Reading Room. Call 703-820-0465.
Foster Parents Needed. SCAN of Northern Virginia urgently needs short-term foster parents. Call 703-836-1820.
Volunteer Opportunities. Help the homeless through ALIVE! Work with others to supervise operation of a small shelter for women and families, or volunteer as an intake coordinator. Call the answering service twice a day and respond by directing any messages to appropriate person. Call 703-683-5138.
Friendly Visitors. Inova VNA Home Health is recruiting volunteers to act as friendly visitors to homebound patients. It is also recruiting office volunteers to assist in its various offices. Call 703-642-9041.
History and Architecture Volunteers. Woodlawn and Frank Lloyd Wright's Pope-Leighey House, 9000 Richmond Highway, are recruiting college-educated adults who have an interest in history and/or architecture for their Volunteer Docent Program. Volunteers are also needed as guides for weekdays and especially weekends. Background in history helpful, training provided. Benefits include field trips, ongoing educational opportunities and discounts in the museum shop. The intersection of U.S. Route 1 and Route 235 North, three miles west of Mount Vernon Estate. Call 703-780-4000, Ext. 33.
Meeting Place Available. The Lorton Senior Center, 7722 Gunston Plaza, has space available for small groups (15-20 people) during the weekdays from 2-3:45 p.m., as well as other time blocks during the day. Call 703-550-7195.
Volunteer Museum Teachers Needed. The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., needs volunteer museum teachers for its role-playing and hands-on activity programs and to help with walking tours and scavenger hunts. Flexible schedules for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings; volunteers encouraged to contribute six to eight hours a month. Call Peggy Grant at 703-838-4994.
Lawyer Referral Services. Need a lawyer? The Alexandria Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service, 520 King St., Suite 202, in the courthouse, provides one-on-one consultations with attorneys at a discounted fee. Office hours are 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday-Thursday; and 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Friday. Contact the office at 703-548-1105.
Volunteer Job Descriptions. New Hope Housing Homeless Shelters are recruiting volunteer job-readiness coaches, life-skills instructors and child-sitters. Call 703-799-2293.
Senior Volunteers. The Northern Virginia Senior Environment Corps is looking for senior volunteers to work once a week, once a month or at a convenient schedule. Call 703-549-1607.
American Red Cross Volunteers. Volunteers are needed for the Friendly Visitor and Elderly Escort programs. Minimum age is 16, commitment is one hour per week for a minimum of six months. Flexible schedule. Call Glenn White at 703-549-8300.
UCM Volunteers. UCM Community Solutions urgently needs volunteers in a variety of positions, such as food-closet aides, thrift-store aides, emergency-services aides, child-care aides, drivers and computer tutors. Contact Sue Kelley at 703-768-7106, Ext. 326.
Semicolon Club. The Semicolon Club, a support group for colorectal cancer patients, survivors, family and friends, meets the first Wednesday of each month from 7 - 8:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the Charles E. Beatley Jr. Library, 5005 Duke St. Call 301-879-1500.
VEFC Host Homes. The Volunteer Emergency Families for Children needs volunteers in Alexandria to open their hearts and homes to local abused, neglected or abandoned children and youth. All children are screened for appropriateness, and volunteers can choose the age, sex and number of days they can serve a child in crisis. The group also needs volunteers in Alexandria to serve on local community councils. Councils meet locally eight times a year to work on ways to share the mission with the community. Call 703-490-5517.
The Mount Vernon Toastmaster Club meets the first and third Mondays of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. It offers the opportunity to develop communication and leadership skills. New members and guests are welcome. Call 703-780-9165 or visit the Web at www.toastmasters.org.
Ladies, Ancient Order of Hibernians. Meetings of the Irish-American Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians are held monthly in several areas. People of Northern descent are welcome. Call 703-494-6125.
Office Of Historic Alexandria. The Lyceum, Alexandria’s history museum, is seeking volunteers for its role-playing and hands-on activity programs. Requirements are a love of history and a wish to become involved in community service. Flexible schedules. Training provided. Volunteers will enjoy many benefits. Call 703-838-4554.
Stroke Club. Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. Stroke Club meets on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 1 p.m. Call 703-765-4573.
Support Group Forming. A myasthenia gravis support group is forming for patients at Alexandria Hospital. Call 703-751-6646 or 703-751-7624.
Instrumental Chamber Ensemble. Instrumentalists are invited to join a volunteer church/community instrumental chamber ensemble at the Old Presbyterian Meeting House, 321 S. Fairfax St. Call Wayne Earnest, minister of music, at 703-549-6670, Ext. 21.
Lee-Fendall House Museum. The Lee-Fendall House Museum seeks volunteers to guide visitors through the historic Lee family home and garden and through the permanent doll house exhibit and antique dolls collection. Experience is not required, only a love of history. Weekday and weekend shifts available. Call 703-548-1789.
Community Washington House provides families and mature adults in Northern Virginia with family support services and health and wellness programs. For information about new programs, call 703-683-4815.
DRADA. The Depression and Related Disorders Association, in cooperation with Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, will sponsor a mutual help group for persons diagnosed with depression or manic-depressive illness, on the first and third Wednesday of each month, from 7:30-9 p.m. Call Susan at 703-660-6556.