Send announcements to the Gazette, by e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com; by fax to 703-917-0991; or by mail to 1604 King St., Alexandria VA 22314. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Friday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with questions.
Thursday/Nov. 9
Nocturnal Animals. Green Spring Gardens will offer a program on nocturnal animals, which will include mask making, for children and their parents, at 4603 Green Spring Road, 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon. Cost is $5.
Performance. 10:30 a.m. ArtsPower will peform "From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Art Center, 3001 North Beauregard St. Tickets required. For information call 888-278-7769 or visit: www.artspower.org.
English Country Dance Class. 7:30-9:30 p.m. learn how to English country dance from expert instructors at Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria. $12/class or $30 for the series. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703-838-4242.
Art Night. Enjoy "Naked November Nights" from 6-9 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Guests will be divided into teams and given materials to clothe a naked canvas. Participate in a naked themed scavenger hunt with a drawing for prizes. Free. More information can be found at www.torpedofactory.org or by calling 703-838-4565 x 2.
Fair. 6-8 p.m. at Hollin Meadows Elementary School. Enjoy food, games, music, dancing and more. Free. Contact Michael Czerniawski, Literacy Collaborative Coordinator for Grades 3-6 at 703-718-8344 or Trish Fineran, 6th grade teacher at 703-718-8300.
Author Reading. 7p.m. listen to John Wukovits read from his book "Eisenhower" at Olsson's Old Town, Alexandria, 106 S. Union St. Free. 703-684-0077.
Practice Your English. 7 p.m. at John Marshall Community Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Conversation group for people learning English. Adults. No registration is required. 703-971-0010.
Movie Premiere. 7:30 p.m., watch Josh Blue's "Josh Blue, 7 More Days in the Tank. He was the winner of NBC's "Last Comic Standing." The movie plays at Ballston Common Stadium 12 in Arlington and Hoffman Center 22 in Alexandria. Tickets are $10 and are available at www.bigscreenboxoffice.com.
Friday/Nov. 10
Opening Reception. "Del Ray Dozen" Invitational Photography Show from 7-10 p.m. at the Del Ray Artisans, located in the Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Includes a silent auction of photography pieces. Free. Exhibit runs through Nov. 26. Visit www.thedelrayArtisans.org for more.
Celebration. In celebration of Veteran's Day and the Marine Corps 231st birthday, the Kingstowne Karate Dojo will have its second annual Goju Karate and Tae Kwon Do martial arts testing and demonstration from 6:45-9:15 p.m. at 7007C Manchester Blvd., Alexandria. Free.
Fall Back Event. Community Lodgings will hold its Annual Fall Back Event "Celebrating Change", 7-10 p.m., at the Christ Church Auditorium, 118 North Washington St. There will be music, cocktails, light repast and a silent auction. All proceeds will benefit Community Lodgings' programs to help homeless famlies. Cocktail attire is required. Tickets are $45 in advance, $50 at the door.
Volunteer Appreciation Gala. Tapestry Theatre will hold their annual Volunteer Appreciation Gala at 6 p.m. Come for food, a silent auction (cash and checks accepted), and entertainment provided by the areas newest sketch comedy group, The Couch Potatoes. The Couch Potatoes can be seen at www.couchpotatodc.com. Free. At Oswald Durant Community Center, 1605 Cameron St. Alexandria. For information e-mail Info@TapestryTheatre.com.
Free Holiday Shopping Bazaar. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 1608 Russell Road, Alexandria. New gifts, white elephant items, baked good, ornaments and more are available. 703-683-0798.
Jewelry and Rummage Sale. The Alexandria Department of Human Services (DHS) Office of Aging and Adult Services will host a jewelry and mini rummage sale from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Human Services Center, 2525 Mt. Vernon Ave., in the Del Ray section of Alexandria. All of the proceeds from this sale go to the Office of Aging and Adult Services Emergency Services funds allocated specifically for low-income senior citizens in the City of Alexandria. For more information about the sale or services available to senior citizens who are residents of the City of Alexandria, contact the Office of Aging and Adult Services of the City’s Department of Human Services at 703-838-0920.
Holiday Shoppe. Hosted by the Mt. Vernon Evening and Mason Neck Lions Clubs. Features holiday gifts and décor. At 8009 Apollo St., Lorton. Call Liz 703-569-9207 or Lion Reba 703-339-7099 for more time and more info.
Saturday, Nov. 11
Veteran's Day Event. The Alexandria, Virginia branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is sponsoring a Veterans' Day program at the Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St., Alexandria, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.†Free and open to the public. Reservations are requested, due to limited seating, but not required to attend this event. For reservations or additional information, call The Alexandria Black History Museum at 703-838-4356.
Annual Holiday Bazaar. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Community, 1417 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria. This event is a major contributor to the Grade School and Early Childhood Center annual budget. There will be delicious food, great holiday shopping, exciting outdoor amusements, crafts and games for kids and more. Call 703-998-4170 for more information.
Soldier-Led Veteran's Day Event. A free, soldier-led walking tour will be conducted by guides in period uniform. Two tours run at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The tours will introduce visitors to the history of the Defenses of Washington, the building and role of Fort Ward, 19th-century fortification engineering, and the troops who were stationed in this area during the Civil War. Walking shoes are recommended. Located at Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 4301 West Braddock Road, Alexandria. Call Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site, 703-838-4848, for more information.
Opening Reception. Gallery West opens annual "Small Works and Holiday Gala show with a reception from 4-7 p.m. at 1213 King St., Old Town Alexandria. The exhibit runs Nov. 8-Dec. 3. The show features a variety of small original art work by its members in many different media. Visit www. gallery-west.com for more.
"Swordsmen’s Rendezvous." 11 a.m-4:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria. Experience this unique living history program as you learn a skill all 18th century gentleman must know - swordplay. The program includes re-enactment of 18th-century swordplay and a display of 18th-century weapons. This popular family event is suitable for all ages and will include some audience participation as you practice your newfound talents. $5/person, ages 5 and up. Reservations are required. Call 703-838-4242 for more information or to book a tour time or visit: www.GadsbysTavern.org.
Music Performance. 8 p.m. the Virginia Grand Military Band will perform at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Art Center, 3001 North Beauregard St. For information call 703-281-3331 or visit www.vgmb.com. Tickets required.
Opening Reception. "Springfield Art Guild Art Show and Sale" from noon-3 p.m. at the River Farm Park, 7931 E. Boulevard Drive, Alexandria. Free. Call 703-922-4175.
Annual Women's Memorial Veterans Day Ceremony. 3:30 p.m. includes formal military honors, keynote address, wreath laying and more, at Arlington National Cemetery. Free. For more information call 800-222-2294 or 703-533-1155.
Museum Opening. The Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum will reopen at 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Many changes will be noted, including a re-designed gift shop. Admission will be $4/adult, $2/students age 11 - 17, children under age 11 are free with paying adult. Group rates and block tickets with other Historic Alexandria museums will be available. For more information, contact the Office of Historic Alexandria at 703-838-4554.
Photographers Workshop. 1-3 p.m. at the DRA gallery, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Presented by Keith Barraclough. Free to DRA members and $20/non-members.
Free Holiday Shopping Bazaar. 8 a.m.-2 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 1608 Russell Road, Alexandria. New gifts, white elephant items, baked good, ornaments and more are available. There will be a Secret Santa Shop and storytelling at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. 703-683-0798.
Holiday Shoppe. Hosted by the Mt. Vernon Evening and Mason Neck Lions Clubs. Features holiday gifts and décor. At 8009 Apollo St., Lorton. Call Liz 703-569-9207 or Lion Reba 703-339-7099 for more time and more info.
Opening Reception. 6:30-9 p.m. at P&C Fine Art, 212 King St., Old Town. This is a major exhibition of recent original paintings and limited edition prints by Michel Delacroix. Come meet the artist. Free. 703-698-8452.
Sunday/Nov. 12
"Washington's God." A free lecture by Michael and Jana Novak, authors of "Washington's God: Religion, Liberty and the Father of Our Country," to commemorate Veteran's Day, at 5:45 p.m. at Christ Church, 118 S. Washington St., Alexandria. 703-549-1450.
Music Performance. 3 p.m. Capital Wind Symphony will perform at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Art Center, 3001 North Beauregard St. For information call 202-607-5510 or visit: www.capitalwinds.org. Tickets required.
Opening Reception. 2-4 p.m. see painter Jane Hahler's solo exhibit "Color in the American Townscape in the Art League Gallery, in the Torpedo Gallery, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. Free. Call 703-683-1780 for more.
Music Perfomance. Scottish Singer Jim Malcolm -- Jim Malcolm, formerly the lead singer with the Scottish band Old Blind Dogs, gives a solo performance at 8 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Tickets are $18 in advance, $20 at the door, children under 14 with an adult half price. Reservations can be made at www.sunspotpro.com or by calling 800 404-9049.
Performance. Focus Inn Alexandria presents "Tanglefoot" at 7 p.m. at Church of the Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard St., Alexandria. $15 general, $12 members. Contact Herb at herbcl@earthlink.net or 703-380-3151. Visit www.focusmusic.org for more.
Shopping Fundraiser. Shopping at Ten Thousand Villages, 915 King St. in Old Town, from 6-8 p.m., 20 percent of proceeds will be donated to non-profit organizations Empowered Women International, ALIVE and U.S. Green Building Council. Find handmade items while donating money to a worthy cause. Call 703-684-1435 or visit www.villagesofalexandria.com for more information.
Holiday Shoppe. Hosted by the Mt. Vernon Evening and Mason Neck Lions Clubs. Features holiday gifts and décor. At 8009 Apollo St., Lorton. Call Liz 703-569-9207 or Lion Reba 703-339-7099 for more time and more info.
Opening Reception. 2-4 p.m. at Torpedo Factory Art Center, Studio 16, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria. See "Back of the Beyond," an exhibit to honor a place that has been preserved and honors the people that have preserved it. Free. 703-549-8490.
Monday/Nov. 13
Royal Readers. 10:30 a.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Center, Alexandria. Free. Stories and activities about princes, princesses and dragons. Age 2-3 with adult. 703-339-4610.
Monday Morning Book Discussion. 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Free. "In the Heart of the Sea: The Tragedy of the Whaleship Essex" by Nathaniel Philbrick. Adults. No registration is required. 703-768-6700.
Books and Ideas. 7:30 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. Free call to register. "City of Falling Angels" by Berendt. Adults. 703-765-3645.
Tuesday/Nov. 14
Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. Annandale Chorale/NOVA Community Chorus will perform at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Art Center, 3001 North Beauregard St. Free. For information call 703-845-6026 or visit www.nvcc.edu/alexandria/visual/music/band.htm.
Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Association will perform Aaron Copland Birthday Concert with a variety of choruses. At the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Art Center, 3001 Beauregard Street Alexandria, VA. For information call 703-799-8229 or visit: www.wmpa.us.
Restaurant Fundraiser. Taverna Cretekou will host a Red Cross fundraiser at their restaurant, 818 King St., Alexandria. Diners will enjoy a show of live Greek music by performers Christos and Achilleas. Call 703-548-8688 for reservations. For more information about this event or about the Alexandria Red Cross, contact Tina Games-Evans at 703-549-8300.
Tuesday Evening Book Group. 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Free. Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner. Adults. No registration is required. 703-768-6700.
Introduction to Excel - Part 1. 7 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. Free call to register. Learn basic text formatting. Must know how to use the mouse and keyboard. Adults. 703-765-3645.
Wednesday/Nov. 15
Expanding Bird Knowledge. 7:45 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park Visitor's Center off of Lockheed Boulevard. Paula Sullivan will speak on expanding the bird experiencee. Free. Call 703-768-2525 for more.
Health Workshop. 7-8:30 p.m. at Beatley Central Library, 5005 Duke St., Alexandria. "How to Balance Your Hormones Naturally." Free. 703-519-5900.
Gobble, Gobble! 10:30 a.m. at John Marshall Community Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Stories and activities for turkey lovers. Age 2-3 with adult. 703-971-0010.
Book Discussion Group. 7:15 p.m. at John Marshall Community Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. "On Beauty" by Zadie Smith. Adults. No registration is required. Free. 703-971-0010.
Practice Your English. 10:15 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Center, Alexandria. Free. Conversation group for people learning English. Adults. No registration is required. 703-339-4610.
Experiment. 4 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Center, Alexandria. Free. Try fun science activities! Age 6-12. No registration is required. 703-339-4610.
Library Writer's Peer Review Group. 7 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Center, Alexandria. Free. For those seriously pursuing the path to publication with short fiction, novels, or writing scripts. Adults. No registration is required. 703-339-4610.
Natural Wonders: Giant Animals. 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Free. Stories and a craft. Age 3-5 with adult. 703-768-6700.
Adult Knitting Group. 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Free. Bring needles, yarn and a project. Beginners welcome. Adults. 703-768-6700.
It's Turkey Time. 2 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. Free call to register. Seasonal stories and activities. Age 2-5 with adult. 703-765-3645.
Thursday/Nov. 16
Green Spring Gardens will offer a program on flower bulbs for children and their parents, at 4603 Green Spring Road, 9:30-10:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.-noon. Cost is $5. Call 703-642-5173 or visit www.greenspring.org.
English Country Dance Class. 7:30-9:30 p.m. learn how to English country dance from expert instructors at Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria. $12/class or $30 for the series. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or call 703-838-4242.
Practice Your English. 7 p.m. at John Marshall Community Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Conversation group for people learning English. Adults. Free. No registration is required. 703-971-0010.
Just Twos. 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Free. Stories and activities. Age 24-35 months with adult. 703-768-6700.
Poetry Group. 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Free. Poems by May Sarton. Adults. No registration is required. 703-768-6700.
Introduction to Excel - Part 2. 7 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. Free call to register. Learn basic formulas and additional techniques. Must know Excel basic. Adults. 703-765-3645.
Theater Performance. T.C. Williams High School Drama Department presents "Our Town" at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium, 3330 King St., Alexandria. Tickets are $7/adults; $6/seniors and non-ACPS students and $5/ACPS student and staff. Free parking. 703-824-6800.
Friday/Nov. 17
Floral Design. 1:30-3 p.m. at Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Learn how to make inexpensive floral arrangements for Thanksgiving dinner. Door prizes awarded. $16. Visit www.greenspring.org or call 703-642-5173.
Annual Bazaar. United Methodist Women of Aldersgate United Methodist Church will be holding the annual bazaar from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1301 Collingwood Road, Alexandria. Proceeds from the Bazaar benefit the local and global ministries. In addition to the handmade crafts, jewelry and white elephant, there will be outside vendors selling beauty and skin care products as well as accessories and home goods, plus a very special Kid’s Corner store. Barbecue and soup lunches will be available. Questions should be directed to Bazaar co-chairs Karen Devine (703-780-9122) or Cindy Harrington (703-765-2080).
Child Play Expert. Stevanne "Dr. Toy" Auerbach, Ph.D, will be at Hilton Alexandria Mark Center from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. for the Marine Corps Toys for Tots kick-off luncheon.
Dancing in the Dark. 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Hollin HIlls Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, Alexandria. $4/person. Everyone is invited. 703-765-4573.
Lunch Bunch. Noon at John Marshall Community Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Bring your lunch and join us for stories. Birth-5 years with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
Bears. 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Free. Stories, activities and a craft. Age 3-5 with adult. 703-768-6700.
The United States Air Force Band Chamber Players Series. The USAF band will perform music for trumpet and clarinet at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, at 8 p.m. Free. Call 202-767-5658 or visit www.usafband.com.
Theater Performance. T.C. Williams High School Drama Department presents "Our Town" at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium, 3330 King St., Alexandria. Tickets are $7/adults; $6/seniors and non-ACPS students and $5/ACPS student and staff. Free parking. 703-824-6800.
Saturday/Nov. 18
Perennials. 9:30-11 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Learn how to identify the perennials, diseases and pests they are susceptible to. $16. Visit www.greenspring.org or call 703-642-5173.
Green Spring Gardens will also have a program for children and parents to create a Thanksgiving table centerpiece, 2-3:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per project per family. Call 703-642-5173 or visit www.greenspring.org.
Open Studio Show. Yuri Kokoyanin presents an open studio show from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at The von Brahler Ltd. Gallery, 1437 Powhatan St., Old Town Alexandria. Free. Call Bob Murray 703-798-8686.
Banquet Ball. This event, featuring live music, dinner, dancing and a period dessert, honors Thomas Jefferson, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., Alexandria. There will be a cash bar of period beverages and costumes of 1779 era are encouraged. $90/person for the banquet and ball; $30/ball only; $40/door. Advance reservations are required 703-838-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
Reception and Book Signing. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Elizabeth Stone Gallery, 1127 King St., Suite 201, Alexandria. This is a birthday celebration for "Reach Out and Read." Free.
Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. American Balalaika Symphony will perform at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Art Center, 3001 North Beauregard St. For information call 703-351-1331 or visit: www.balalaika.biz. Tickets required.
Art Exhibit. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Empowered Women International and Exit Signature Realty sponsor "Art Out Loud," an exhibit featuring Alexandria artist Eric Nelson. Includes over 50 original pieces of art. Hosted at Exit Signature Realty office, 3139 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Free. Visit www.artoutloud.com for more.
Blue Sky Puppets. 2 p.m. at John Marshall Community Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive, Alexandria. Free. All ages. 703-971-0010.
Reading African Authors. 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane, Alexandria. Free call to register. Black Authors Discussion Group: "Changes: A Love Story" by Ama Ata Aidoo. Discussion led by Dr. Michele Simms-Burton. Adults. 703-765-3645.
Theater Performance. T.C. Williams High School Drama Department presents "Our Town" at 7:30 p.m. in the auditorium, 3330 King St., Alexandria. Tickets are $7/adults; $6/seniors and non-ACPS students and $5/ACPS student and staff. Free parking. 703-824-6800.
Sunday/Nov. 19
Napkin Folding. 1-3 p.m. at Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria. Learn how to create festive table decorations from napkins. $24. Visit www.greenspring.org or call 703-642-5173.
Open Studio Show. Yuri Kokoyanin presents an open studio show from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at The von Brahler Ltd. Gallery, 1437 Powhatan St., Old Town Alexandria. Free. Call Bob Murray 703-798-8686.
Art Exhibit. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Empowered Women International and Exit Signature Realty sponsor "Art Out Loud," an exhibit featuring Alexandria artist Eric Nelson. Includes over 50 original pieces of art. Hosted at Exit Signature Realty office, 3139 Mount Vernon Ave., Alexandria. Free. Visit www.artoutloud.com for more.
Music Performance. The Marquis Ensemble, a classical chamber music group will perform at 4 p.m. at 201 S. Washington St., Alexandria. Free with a free will offering. Call 703-549-1421 for more information.
Monday/Nov. 20
Teen Knitters. 4 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Free. Learn to knit and share your skills with others. Supplies provided for first lesson. Age 10-18. 703-768-6700.