To have an item listed in the calendar, mail to Calendar Editor, 1604 King St., Alexandria, VA 22314; fax to 703-917-0991 or e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Friday at noon for the following week’s paper. Photos and artwork encouraged. Unless otherwise noted, all events are in Alexandria. If you have any questions, call Elizabeth Orr at 703-917-6449.
<cal1>THURSDAY/SEPT. 30
<cal2>ACVA Annual Meeting. The public is invited to attend the Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association’s annual membership meeting from 11 :30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., at the Radisson Hotel Old Town, 901 N. Fairfax St. Keynote speaker William D. Euille and a sneak preview of Alexandria ’s upcoming holiday season. Tickets are $25 for ACVA members and $30 for nonmembers. RSVP by Sept. 24 to 703-838-4200, ext. 203.
"A Trip Down Memory Lane." A discussion of the Art League's founding and early history with Cora Rupp, Betsy Anderson and Marian Van Landingham. 12:30 p.m. at The Art League, 105 N. Union St. For more information, call 703-549-5450.
Networking Mixer. Hosted by the Mount Vernon Health & Racquet Club, 7950 Audubon Ave. 5-7 p.m. Refreshments, door prizes, networking, and a sampling of the racquet club's activities. For more information, call the Mount Vernon-Lee Chamber of Commerce at 703-360-6925.
Preparing for Retirement. Learn how to calculate the cost of retirement, safeguard assets from the unexpected and more during this free seminar, sponsored by the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership Inc. 6-8 p.m., in Salon A at the Hilton, Alexandria at Old Town, 1767 King St. Reservations required, call 703/739-382 ext. 10 or e-mail info@alexecon.org.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 1
<cal2>Think Asia Opening Reception. View the Del Ray Artisan's collection of traditional Asian art and art influenced by the Far East. 7-10 p.m. at the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Call 703-838-4827.
Mount Vernon's Wine Festival & Sunset Tour. Celebrates the history of wine in Virginia with exclusive evening tours of the mansion and wine cellar, an appearance by "General Washington" himself, and blues music by Bruce Evan and the Solid Senders on the east lawn of George Washington's Mount Vernon. Visitors can bring a blanket and relax on the lawn as they sample wines from 16 Virginia wineries 6- 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and are available at Mount Vernon's main gate or through Ticketmaster. For more information, call 703-780-2000 or visit www.mountvernon.org.
Colorful Expressions! Opening reception for the show featuring rugs by Sara Schneiderman and folk art by Sissy Kutchen. 6-9 p.m., at the Gallery Petalouth, 4653 Duke St.
Catholic University of America Symphony Orchestra. Conducted by Kate Tamarkin, featuring soprano Sharon Christman. 8 p.m., at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Free. For more information, call 202-319-5416.
Wild Horse Auction. The Bureau of Land Management-Eastern States (BLM-ES) will conduct a wild horse adoption at the Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area, 10406 Gunston Road, Lorton. More than 100 horses will be available for adoption with a large variety of animals. The animals will be from the western states. All animals available for adoption have been examined by a veterinarian, vaccinated, de-wormed, and blood-tested. The adoption will be determined by auction, with a starting adoption fee of $125 per animal. Adopters must provide their own stock-type step up trailer. Viewing hours are Friday, 12-7 p.m. The scheduled hours for the adoption will be from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 2, and 8 a.m.-noon, Sunday, Oct. 3. Applications to adopt will be reviewed Friday afternoon and Saturday. Animals, which are not adopted during the morning's auction, will be offered for adoption at the set $125 adoption fee on a first-come basis. For applications, facility and trailer requirements, or other information about this event, contact the Bureau of Land Management, 1-800-370-3936 or 703-339-8009 or visit the BLM Web site at www.es.blm.gov/programs/whb.
<cal1>SATURDAY/OCT. 2
<cal2>Gerry Hyland Lobsterfest. 1-4 p.m. at Justice Snowden Farm, 2405 Parkers Lane. Lobster, hot dogs, music by the Robert Byrd Blues band, and free T-shirts to the first 300 at the gate. $35 per person. Checks should be sent to: Hyland for Supervisor, P.O. Box 103, Mount Vernon VA 22121. For more information, call 703-960-5904 or e-mail lobsterfest@usa.com.
Alexandria Arts Safari. Arts demonstrations and hands-on activities as well as architectural and archaeological tours. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory Arts Center, 105 N. Union St.
An Evening With Walt Whitman. A fund-raiser to benefit the Fort Ward Museum, featuring Kevin Rawlings as Walt Whitman, recounting the poet's Civil War experiences in and around Washington, D.C. 7-9 p.m. at Fort Ward Museum and Historic Site, 4301 W. Braddock Road. $25 per person; preregister by calling the museum at 703-838-4848.
Art demonstrations. 1-3 p.m.; face-casting demo by Theresa Kulstad. 3-4:15 p.m.; torn Washi paper demo by Pam Eichner. At the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., in conjunction with Art on the Avenue. Call 703-838-4827.
Art on the Avenue, a multicultural arts festival featuring over 300 artists, live musical entertainment, children's activities, international foods, artist demonstrations, a pie-baking contest, and more, takes place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Mt. Vernon Ave. from Hume Ave. to Bellefonte Ave. Free trolley transportation is provided from Braddock Road Metro. For more information, call (703) 683-3100 or visit www.artontheavenue.org.
Bread and Butter Ball. Experience an 18th-century event at Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., from 8-11 p.m. Live music, dancing and refreshments. Open to the public; formal or colonial-era attire encouraged. Tickets $30 in advance, $40 at the door. For more information, call 703-838-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
"Caliphs & Kings: The Art and Influence of Islamic Spain." A concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, inspired by art in the Smithsonian's Freer and Sackler Galleries and featuring music by Rimsky-Korsakov, Abeniz and Manuel de Falla. 8 p.m. at Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St. For more information, visit www.alexsym.org or call 703-548-0885.
Fall Bazaar. The Fort Belvoir Officers Wives Club holds their third annual Fall Bazaar from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wells Field House. There is a $1 suggested donation entrance fee. All proceeds will benefit scholarship and welfare causes. The Wells Field House is adjacent to MWR Oktoberfest in North Post, Fort Belvoir.
Fall Garden Stroll. Stroll through the gardens at Green Spring and learn about the history and lore of Halloween plants. Appropriate for children aged 8 and up. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Reservations required; visit www.greenspring.org or call 703-941-7987.
"How to Work with an Architect." 2 p.m. at the Chapter House of the American institute of Architects Northern Virginia, 205 S. Patrick St. Learn how to plan an addition or renovation and find and communicate with an architect. Free. Reservations required. Call 703-549-9747.
Kids' Rummage Sale. Clothes, toys, baby items, maternity wear. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 8710 Mount Vernon Highway. For more information, call Colleen Ferguson at 703-922-4449.
Lions Club Community Fair. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Wal-Mart, 7910 Richmond Highway. The event will feature free sight and hearing tests, glaucoma screening, diabetes screening, a blood pressure check and a cholesterol check.
Mount Vernon's Wine Festival & Sunset Tour. Details under Oct. 1. 6- 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and are available at Mount Vernon's main gate or through Ticketmaster. For more information, call 703-780-2000 or visit www.mountvernon.org.
Native Plant Sale at Parkfairfax. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. The third native plant sale held in Parkfairfax, featuring ten vendors. Free, volunteer-run, education about native plants available. The lot entrance is across the street from 3602 Valley Drive in Alexandria, near Shirlington.
Octoberfest. A hay ride, pumpkin patch, cakewalk, crafts and games at St. Aidan's Episcopal Church and Day School. Kinderfest for children will be held from 3-5 p.m. German wursts, salads and desserts will be served from 3-7 p.m., and there will be music for the annual fund-raiser from the Mount Vernon Community German Band and a silent auction. St. Aidan's is at 8531 Riverside Road. For more information, call 703-360-4220.
"One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." Presented by the Alexandria Commission on Persons with Disabilities in conjunction with the Port City Playhouse, to support the Gerry Bertier Scholarship for a student with a disability. The performance will take place at 8 p.m. at the Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center, 1108 Jefferson Ave. Tickets $20. For more information, visit www.acteva.com/go/ACPD or call 703-838-0711.
Pohick Church Country Fair. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at 9301 Richmond Highway, Lorton. The fair will include a yard sale, country fair, food, children's games, moon bounce, plants, turkey shoot and apple butter making. For more information, call 703-339-6572.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 2
<cal2>Walk for the Future. Join Project Discover-Alexandria, a 20-year-old program that helps students become the first members of their families to attend college or technical school. Picnic, college fair and Walkathon, 9 a.m.-1 p.m., at Minnie Howard School, 3801 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria. For more information, call 703-838-0915.
Wild Horse Auction. The Bureau of Land Management-Eastern States (BLM-ES) will conduct a wild horse adoption at the Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area, 10406 Gunston Road, Lorton. Hours for the adoption will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more details, see the Oct. 1 listings. For applications, facility and trailer requirements, or other information about this event, contact the Bureau of Land Management, 1-800-370-3936 or 703-339-8009 or visit the BLM Web site at www.es.blm.gov/programs/whb.
The Art League's 50th Anniversary Gala. Dancing, food, music by Satin Doll Trio, and the auction of original artworks by Art League members. Black Tie optional. 6:30-9:30 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory art Center, 105 N. Union St. RSVP by Sept. 17. For more information, call 703-683-1780.
Fall Bazaar. The Fort Belvoir Officers Wives Club holds their third annual Fall Bazaar from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Wells Field House. There is a $1 suggested donation entrance fee. All proceeds will benefit scholarship and welfare causes. The Wells Field House is adjacent to MWR Oktoberfest in North Post, Fort Belvoir.
Mount Vernon's Wine Festival & Sunset Tour. Details under Oct. 1. 6- 9 p.m. Tickets are $25 per person and are available at Mount Vernon's main gate or through Ticketmaster. For more information, call 703-780-2000 or visit www.mountvernon.org.
<cal1>Sunday/Oct. 3
<cal2>Friday Morning Music Club Orchestra. Featuring music by Beethoven and Sibelus, with guest conductor Stephen Czarkowski and pianist Seymour Lipkin, 2:30 p.m., at Bishop Ireton Auditorium, 201 Cambridge Road.
Wild Horse Auction. The Bureau of Land Management-Eastern States (BLM-ES) will conduct a wild horse adoption at the Meadowood Special Recreation Management Area. 10406 Gunston Road, Lorton. The scheduled hours for the adoption will be from 8 a.m. to noon. For more details, see the Oct. 1 listings. For applications, facility and trailer requirements, or other information about this event, contact the Bureau of Land Management, 1-800-370-3936 or 703-339-8009 or visit the BLM Web site at www.es.blm.gov/programs/whb.
<cal1>Monday/Oct. 4
<cal2>"Grant Us Courage ... Grant Us Peace." A dance piece by Kathy Gray, performed by the Kathy Gray Dance Theatre, to benefit the Pentagon Memorial Fund. 7 p.m. reception, 8:15 p.m. performance at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Tickets $100 reception and performance, $65 performance only. For more information or to RSVP, call 703-413-3811 or e-mail slandess@stratsight.com.
Gallery talk. A discussion of the threat posed by digital media, marking the closing of "The Death of Film," an exhibit of "Rough Edge Photography" by experimental Mississippi photographer James W. Bailey. 10-11 a.m. at the Margaret W. and Joseph L. Fisher Art Gallery of the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, Northern Virginia Community College Alexandria Campus, 3001 North Beauregard St. For more information, call 703-476-1474.
Teen Entertainment Venue & Competition. The First Night Alexandria Teen Task Force, sponsored by DeVry University, has announced official audition dates, times and locations. The Teen Talent Venue is part of the New Year's Eve citywide celebration of First Night Alexandria. Auditions for youth ages 13 and older will be held from 6:15 -7:15 p.m., at Bishop Ireton High School. An application form, required the day of auditions, and a A list of rules and regulations vcan be found at www.FirstNightAlexandria.org. Participants must phone 703-838-4200 ext. 210 to request an audition space and must bring their completed application form with them
<cal1>WEDNESDAY/OCT. 6
<cal2>Garden Club of Virginia 66th Annual Rose Show. 2-8 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Sanctioned by the American Rose Society, the show recognizes outstanding roses in many categories. For more information or to enter a rose, call Victoria Alexander at 703-799-4469 or e-mail victoria.alexander@cox.net.
Legacy Giving Workshop. The workshops will cover information about the tax and financial benefits of supporting the Fairfax County library system through financial contributions; topics include how to maximize estate planning tools and planned gift options. 7 p.m. at the Sherwood Regional Library, located at 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. To sign up, contact the FCPL Foundation at 703-324-8300 or by e-mail at info@fcplfoundation.org.
Arts for the Aging Benefit Gala. Featuring buffet, wine tasting and works created in Arts of the Aging classes. The group offers classes at Mount Vernon Adult Day health-care center and the Alexandria Adult Day Health. Gala 6:30-9 p.m. at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan in Washington, DC. Invitation only, call 301-718-4990.
Tribute to the Alexandria Small Business Development center. Wines, food and art to celebrate the accomplishments and future of Alexandria's small business community. 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Gadsby's Tavern Ballroom, 134 N. Royal St. Tickets $100. For more information, call the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce at 703-549-1000.
Book signing. Author Clarence Ashley will be visiting the Barnes & Noble Bookstore at 3651 Jefferson Davis Highway at 7 p.m. His book, "CIA Spymaster," gives a detailed look into the life of CIA legend George Kisevalter. For more information, call 703-299-9124
<cal1>THURSDAY/OCT. 7
<cal2>Garden Club of Virginia 66th Annual Rose Show. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. For more information or to enter a rose, call Victoria Alexander at 703-799-4469 or e-mail victoria.alexander@cox.net.
Foster Care Informational Meeting. Adolescent and Family Growth Center, 8000 Forbes Place, Springfield, will be open from 5-7 p.m. to give an overview of Treatment foster care. Social workers will be available to speak with anyone interested in foster parenting. For more information, call 703-425-9200 or visit www.afginc.com.
Alexandria GOP Committee Meeting. 7:30 p.m. in the Minnie Howard School Cafeteria. Call 703-823-1801.
Oriental Brush Painting Demo. 7-8 p.m. at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Call 703-838-4827.
"The Many Faces of Jim Crow: Virginia in the 20th Century." A lecture by Douglas Smith, author of "Managing White Supremacy," presented by the Alexandria Black History Museum and The Lyceum. 7 p.m. at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. For more information, call 703-838-4356.
The 2004 Evelyn LaPierre Awards. Awards will celebrate two extraordinary immigrant women, Christina Heimlich, founder of the School of International Dance and Marisella Veiga, a freelance writer and journalist. 7-9 p.m. at the A Woman's Story Gallery, 1212 Prince St. Free of charge; sponsors welcome. RSVP by Oct. 1. To RSVP or sponsor, e-mail Marga at Cfripp@aol.com or call EWI at 703-778-3799.
The Alexandria League of Women Voters Fall Membership Meeting. Special presentation, "After the People Vote: A Guide to the Electoral College," presented by author and political scientist John Fortier. 7:30 p.m. at the Lyceum Museum, 201 S. Washington St. for more information, call 703-549-3240.
<cal1>Friday/Oct. 8
<cal2>"Music for Brass Quintet." Featuring members of the U.S. Air Force Ceremonial Brass. 8 p.m. at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, Alexandria. Free, no tickets required. For more information, call 202-767-5658 or visit www.USAFBand.com.
Playground Dedication. Dedicate Abracadabra's new adventure playground, "Alakazam!" Alakazam! is an outdoor classroom that is only the second of its kind in the United States. 8 a.m. at the corner of West Masonic View and Commonwealth Avenue. For more information, call Kathy Wilson at 703-548-7796.
Wreath laying and memorial Service. Ivy Hill Cemetery of Alexandria will host the Annual Wreath Laying and Memorial Service honoring the men and women of the Alexandria Fire and Rescue at Ivy Hill at 11 a.m. The service
stands as a tribute to the history and sacrifice of the Alexandria Firemen and somber reminder of the tragic cost of fire. The public is invited. For more information, call 703-549-7413.
<cal1>Saturday/Oct. 9
<cal2>Alexandria Seaport Day. Model-boat building, maritime exhibits and watching boat construction. Free to the public. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Waterfront Park, Alexandria. For more information, call 703-549-7078 or visit www.alexandriaaseaport.org.
13th Annual Canine Games. Dogs of all abilities will compete for medals in such sports as steeplechase, ice cream eating, Frisbee and more at Chinquapin Park on King St. Pre-registration $20; on site registration $25. Registration at 9 a.m.; games 10 a.m.-12:45 p.m.; awards ceremony 1:15 p.m. Attendees can also meet shelter dogs, get buttons made with pet's photos and enjoy food and music. For more information, call 703-838-4774 or visit www.alexandriaanimals.org.
"Soft Views" Reception. A reception in honor of landscape watercolor artist Deborah Hoeper, 6-8 p.m., at Gallery West, 205 S. Union St. For more information, visit www.gallery-west.com.
Autumn Market Days. Presented by Nelly's Needlers. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on the grounds of historic Woodlawn; proceeds to benefit Woodlawn. For more information, call 703-780-4000 or visit www.woodlawn1805.org.
Fire Station Open House. To mark the end of Fire Prevention Week, Fire Station 9, along with other Fairfax County fire stations, will be open to the public. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Fire Station 9, 2601 Sherwood Hall Lane. For more information, call 703-780-0150.
<cal1>Sunday/Oct. 10
<cal2>Chinese Brush Calligraphy Demo. 2-4 p.m. at the Del Ray Artisans Gallery, Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Call 703-838-4827.
Autumn Market Days. Presented by Nelly's Needlers. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on the grounds of historic Woodlawn; proceeds to benefit Woodlawn. For more information, call 703-780-4000 or visit www.woodlawn1805.org.