Senior Services of Alexandria launched its 2005 calendar Nov. 9 in the Vola Lawson Lobby of City Hall. Each year the calendar is the largest single income producer for the non-profit group serving the needs of Alexandria seniors.
Selling individually for $10 they return a net income of approximately $18,000 to $20,000 annually, according to Judy Drewry, chair of the calendar project for the past 20 years. "But, the cost decreases according to the quantity you buy," she said.
Many businesses buy the calendar in large quantities to give as gifts to their customers and clients. Costs per calendar based on volume of purchase are as follows: 50 to 99, $8.50; 100 to 299, $7; 300 to 499, $5.50; 500 to 999, $4; and 1,000 and up $2.60.
"On orders of 500 or more, selection can be made of a personal cover from among the artist's drawings. For orders of 1,000 or more, consideration can be given to a personally drawn cover by the artist of a specific scene of the purchaser's choice," Drewry said.
The wholesale rate for merchant resale is $5 with a suggested selling price of $10.
All proceeds go to the operations and programs of Senior Services of Alexandria, the mission of which is to "assure that seniors can maintain their independence and self-sufficiency while aging in their community."
Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille, on hand for the official unveiling, said, "We are very proud of your (Senior Services) work. This is a beautiful piece of art. I personally buy several hundred every year to distribute for the holidays." Joining Euille at the event were Vice Mayor Redella "Del" Pepper and councilmen Rob Krupicka and Paul C. Smedberg.
AN ADDED HIGHLIGHT to this year's launch ceremony was a special tribute to two past executive directors of Senior Services, Mary Ann Ormes and Susan Lee Dawson. Ormes, the organization's first chief executive, served for 24 years. She was succeeded by Dawson, who was at the helm for five and a half years and now serves as a member of Alexandria's Commission on Aging.
Former Board of Directors President Dr. George Pera presented each with a gift recognizing their years of service to the organization.
Then present Senior Services president, George Harris, introduced the organization's new executive director Eileen Longstreet.
Having served in that capacity for the past 10 weeks, Longstreet said, "It has been really hard work but very rewarding." She also made an urgent appeal for more volunteers.
"Volunteers are sorely needed by this organization — especially for the Meals on Wheels program. If you have any friends or neighbors you can convince to volunteer for Meals on Wheels we really need them," she said to the assembled crowd.
Harris then announced, "This particular calendar year is special. It represents Judy Drewry's 20th year as our chair." He then presented her with a framed reproduction of covers of the past 20 calendar years.
EACH YEAR the 13-month calendar presents hand drawn pen-and-ink sketches of Alexandria scenes by noted artists. This year's rendering are from Deron DeCesare and Tom Jennings.
DeCesare is an award winning artist, represented locally by Gallery Petalouth and the Torpedo Factory's Art League Gallery. His prints and paintings are featured in the Artist's Illustrated Encyclopedia.
Jennings a native Washingtonian, specializes in pen-and-ink drawings, cartoons and logo designs. Recently he has been part of a team of mural painters at the Washington Convention Center and has participated in Washington's "Art on Call" program.
Following the ceremonies, the calendar was officially presented to City Council in chambers. For more information on calendar purchases call Judy Drewry at 703-370-1948 or Senior Services of Alexandria at 703-836-4414, Ext. 0.