Send announcements to the Gazette, by e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. 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/Aug. 2
Movie Screening. Watch and discuss "Black Wax" from 6:30-9 p.m. at Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. Free. A one-man act sometimes accompanied by music. Free. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org or 703-838-4356.
Story Time. 10 a.m., Beatley Central, 5005 Duke St. No cost. Ages 3-5. 703-519-5900.
Dance Class. 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Learn the dances of George Washington, Jane Austen and others in preparation for the Jane Austen Ball. $30/series or $12/class. Reservations required, 703-838-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
Garden Sprouts: Lazy Turtle Days. 9:30-10:30 a.m., or 11 a.m-noon, Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. A Native American tells a legend about how Great Turtle created Earth. Then, look for turtles in the gardens and ponds and make a turtle to take home. $5. Ages 3-5 with adult. For more information and to register call 703-642-5173.
Lecture. Friends of the Torpedo Factory Art Center present a lecture at 7 p.m. by Mark Leithauser entitled "Jekyll Keeping Mr. Hyde in Check: Balancing Two Artistic Careers" at the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.
Comic Book Creation. Teenagers 12-18 can create a comic book with graphic artist Matt Dembicki at 7 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Free. 703-971-0010.
Set Sail Virginia! Children ages 6-12 can experience life in the new world with games, activities and a craft at 2 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Free. 703-768-6700.
Friday/Aug. 3
Friday Flicks. Noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Bring a lunch and listen to stories or watch movies. No cost. Ages 5 and under with adult. Contact John Marshall Library at 703-324-8365.
Lunch Bunnies. Noon, Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Listen to stories and bring a lunch. No cost. Ages 1-5 with an adult. Contact Sherwood Regional Library at 703-765-3645.
Opening Reception. 7-9 p.m. at Nicholas A. Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Meet some of the artists of "Mashup! Solos and Collaborations." Tickets will go on sale for a raffle of some of the artwork. 703-838-4827.
"Illuminations." 6 – 8 p.m., at 1519 Connecticut Ave. N.W, Washington, D.C. Local artist Melissa Burley is featured at a reception for Gallery 10’s "Illuminations" exhibit.
Landscape Design Workshop. 1:30-3 p.m., at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Discover the wonderful native trees, shrubs and perennials that are availabel for your garde ntody. Registration required, $11. 703-642-5173.
Fall Conference. The Woodlawn Chapel Gospel Service hosts a fall conference with guest speaker Rachel Hickson at Woodlawn Chapel Gospel Service, 1801 Wright Road, Fort Belvoir at 7 p.m. Free. 703-806-5904.
Amazing Escapes: True or False? Gary Lloyd tells stories of courage and survival for children ages 6-12 at 10:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Free. 703-971-0010.
Lantern Tours. 7-10 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. $5/person. Call ahead to verify tour date. With a costumed guide, see life before the advent of electricity. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838-4242.
Saturday/Aug. 4
Tavern Day. 1-5 p.m., at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N Royal St., Alexandria. Experience Alexandria’s five-star hotel of the 18th century through tours, period music and light refreshments. Free. Call 703-838-4242 or visit www.gadsbystaver.org.
Saturday Stories. 10:30 a.m., Beatley Central, 5005 Duke St. No cost. All ages. Contact Beatley Central for more information and to register at 703-519-5900.
Irish Festival. Noon-7 p.m. at Waterfront Park in Alexandria. Festivities include musicians, dancing and bands. There will be crafts, food and more. Free. For further information regarding the festival, please visit http://www.ballyshaners.org.
Birthday Celebration. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Friendship Firehouse. They are celebrating the company's 233rd birthday. Features live music, crafts and food. All children get free fire hats. 703-838-3891.
Photography Class. 4-7 p.m. at Mason Neck State Park, 7301 High Point Road, Lorton. Free and for all ages. Learn about taking wildlife photography and then take pictures outside. Cameras will be provided, but may bring own camera. 703-339-2385.
Railroad Days. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. There will be working trains, conductors and more. Free. Visit www.alexandriahistory.org or 703-838-4994.
Garden Sprouts: Lazy Turtle Days.10-11a.m., Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. A Native American tells a legend about how Great Turtle created Earth. Then, look for turtles in the gardens and ponds and make a turtle to take home. $5. Ages 3-5 with adult. For more information and to register call 703-642-5173.
Family Fun: Garden Jewels-Hummingbirds. 2-3:30 p.m., Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Look for hummingbirds and learn about them. Learn how to make a feeder, take home a plant, and invite some to your garden. $10/family or project. Ages 6 years and older with an adult. For more information and to register call 703-642-5173.
Lecture. 10-11 a.m. at the American Horticultural Society’s headquarters at River Farm. Arborist Dr. Rex Bastian with The Care of Trees will take a look at the important components of healthy soil and their effect on trees. Free but registration is required. Contact Peggy Bowers at pbowers@ahs.org or 703-768-5700 ext 149.
Fall Conference. The Woodlawn Chapel Gospel Service hosts a fall conference with guest speaker Rachel Hickson at Woodlawn Chapel Gospel Service, 1801 Wright Road, Fort Belvoir at 9 a.m. Free. 703-806-5904.
Dimview. Support group for adults with vision loss. Adults. No registration is required. 10 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Free. 703-768-6700.
Sunday/Aug. 5
Basil Introduction. 1-3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Look at the different varieties growing in the garden. A traditional English tea follows this program. $24 and registration required 703-941-7987.
Carlyle Housewarming. Noon to 4 p.m., at Carlyle House, 121 N Fairfax St., Alexandria. Music and costumed interpreters bring Carlyle House alive, recalling the day when John Carlyle and his new bride Sarah Fairfax moved into their new mansion in 1753. Free. Call 703-549-2997 or visit www.carlylehouse.org.
Railroad Days. 1-5 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. There will be working trains, conductors and more. Free. Visit www.alexandriahistory.org or 703-838-4994.
Fall Conference. The Woodlawn Chapel Gospel Service hosts a fall conference with guest speaker Rachel Hickson at Woodlawn Chapel Gospel Service, 1801 Wright Road, Fort Belvoir at 11 a.m. Free. 703-806-5904.
Monday/Aug. 6
Neighborhood Night. For families from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at James K Polk Elementary School, 5000 Polk Ave. Includes music, games, snow cones and more. Sponsored by the Brookville Seminary Valley Civic Association and James K Polk PTA. Free. 703-823-3367.
Amazing Escapes: True or False? Gary Lloyd tells stories of courage and survival for children ages 6-12 at 7 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Free. 703-339-4610.
Animal Survival. Presented by a Huntley Meadows park naturalist for children age 6-12 at 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Free. 703-765-3645.
Tuesday/Aug. 7
Tiny Tots. Stories and songs for children 13-23 months with adult at 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Free. 703-768-6700.
Martha's Movie Madness. Children 6-12 can enjoy a film and popcorn at 2 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Free. 703-768-6700.
Wednesday/Aug. 8
Shiver Me Timbers! Pirates in Virginia waters can be discovered by children ages 6-10 at 2 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Free. 703-339-4610.
Music Safari. Nai Kante Davis presents music, story and movement from Africa for all ages at 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Free. 703-768-6700.
Rising Words, Rising Images. "Grandmother's Stories" by Burleigh Muten, followed by a related activity for children age 9-12 at 11 a.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Free. 703-765-3645.
Thursday/Aug. 9
Restaurant Night at ‘Italian Pie.’ 5-8:30 p.m., visit with friends and members of UCM at The Italian Pie as you enjoy a pizza, calzone, sandwich, salad or pasta. Ten percent of proceeds go towards UCM’s programs. Italian Pie is located in 7475 Richmond Highway, 703-300-1616.
Opening Reception. 6-9 p.m. at Gallery West, 1213 King St. Meet the artists of "Personal Visions." Free. Visit www.gallery-west.com or 703-549-6006.
Dance Class. 7:30-9:30 p.m. at Gadsby's Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Learn the dances of George Washington, Jane Austen and others in preparation for the Jane Austen Ball. $30/series or $12/class. Reservations required, 703-838-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
Opening Reception. 6-8 p.m. for Visual Rhythms/Ritmos Visuales" at Target Gallery in Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Latin American art and culture influenced the 22 artists from around the world. There will be music, Tango lessons and more. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for more.
Kaydee Puppets. Colonial times come to life at 9:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Free. 703-971-0010.
Spoon-Puppet Fun. Children age 8-12 can create a character from Virginia history at 2 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Free. 703-765-3645.
Opening Reception. 5-8 p.m. meet Carol Fogelsong, of Alexandria, and see art from her exhibit at "R" Place, 8136 Old Keene Mill Road, A-209 in Springfield. Free. Visit www.rplace.us or 703-644-2361.
Friday/Aug. 10
Friday Flicks. Children up to age 5 with adult can bring a lunch and enjoy stories and movies at noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Free. 703-971-0010.
Tales From Other Lands. Stories, puppets, activities and a craft for children 5-9 at 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Free. 703-768-6700.
Lunch Bunnies. Children age 1-5 with adult can bring a lunch and listen to stories at noon at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Free. 703-765-3645.
Lantern Tours. 7-10 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. $5/person. Call ahead to verify tour date. With a costumed guide, see life before the advent of electricity. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838-4242.
Music Performance. Gordon Jensen, hosted by Franconia Baptist Church, will perform at 7 p.m. at the church, 5912 Franconia Road, Alexandria. Free. 703-971-4475.
Saturday/Aug. 11
Cemetery Tour. Alexandria Archaeology will offer guided tours of Freedmen’s Cemetery in Old Town from 2-3 p.m. Free. Reservations can be made by calling 703-838-4399.
Soldier Led Tours. 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at Fort Ward Museum, 4301 W. Braddock Road. Soldier in period uniform will talk about the defenses of Washington, Fort Ward and more. Free. Walking shoes and water are recommended. Visit www.fortward.org or 703-838-4848.
Peach Festival. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at Wesley United Methodist Church, 8412 Richmond Ave. The festival will include hot dogs, hamburgers, peach sundaes and other peach desserts, moonbounce, dunk tank, children’s games and crafts. Visit www.Wesleyva.org.
Music Safari. Nai Kante Davis presents music, story and movement from Africa at 2:30 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Free. 703-339-4610.
Annual Ball. Enjoy a 1790s ball from 8-11 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Enjoy dancing as Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth Bennet and Jane Austen experienced it. Costumes encouraged, after five attire recommended. $30/advance or $40/door. Reservations recommended, 703-838-4242.
Sunday/Aug. 12
Cool Food for Hot Days. 1-3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Eat cool foods that keep the hot away. A traditional English tea follows this program. $24 and registration required 703-941-7987.
Opening Reception. 2-4 p.m. at the Art League in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. The exhibit, "Near and Beyond: The International Landscape Show" will feature works broadly depicting the global landscape. Visit www.theartleague.org for more.
Opening Reception. 2-4 p.m., meet Lillian Elkey, exhibitor of "East Meets West" at the Loft Gallery, 313 Mill St. in Occoquan. Elkey, an Alexandria resident, showcases Oriental and Western watercolors. Free. Visit www.loftgallery.org for more.
Monday/Aug. 13
Adventure Island. Children ages 2-3 with adult can come aboard for tropical fun and activities at 10:30 a.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Free. 703-339-4610.
Monday Morning Book Discussion. Discuss "Mayflower" by Nathaniel Philbrick at 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Free. 703-768-6700. No registration is required.
Books & Ideas. "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri will be discussed at 7:30 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Free. 703-765-3645. Adults. No registration is required.
Shiver Me Timbers! Pirates in Virginia waters can be discovered by children age 6-10 at 2 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Free. 703-765-3645.
Tuesday/Aug. 14
Music Performance. 7-8 p.m. at Dulany Gardens, 500 Dulany St. Listen to New Orleans Rhythm and Blues music by Rita Clarke and the Naturals. Free. Enjoy picnic dinner. Visit www.alexandriava.gov or 703-883-4686.
Tuesday Evening Book Group. "The Crimson Petal and the White" by Michel Faber will be discussed at 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Free. 703-768-6700.
Wednesday/Aug. 15
Flap Your Wings! Stories, activities and a craft for children ages 2-5 at 10:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Free. 703-971-0010.
Book Discussion Group. 7:15 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Free. Adults call for title, 703-971-0010.
Natural Wonders: Let's Go Down Under. Stories and a craft about Australia for children age 3-5 with adult at 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Free. 703-768-6700.
Treasure Hunt. Children age 6-12 can use clues and activities to discover Virginia's past starting at 2 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Free. 703-765-3645.
Thursday/Aug. 16
Garden Sprouts: Splash Party. 9:30-10:30 a.m. or 11 a.m.-noon, Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Play water games and learn why water makes a garden grow. Bring a towel and wear your bathing suit. $5. Ages 3-5 with adult. For more information and to register call 703-642-5173.
Arr, Pirate School! Wanted: Hearty young sea lo'ers ages 8-12 wantin' to be properly learned in pirating. Lessons include crafts and games. Starts at 2:30 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Free. 703-339-4610.
Just Twos. Stories and activities for children 24-35 months with adult at 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Free. 703-768-6700.
Poetry Group. Poems by Donald Hall will be discussed at 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Free. 703-768-6700. Adults. No registration is required.
Friday/Aug. 17
Friday Flicks. Children up to age 5 with adult can bring a lunch and enjoy stories and movies at noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Free. 703-971-0010.
Lunch Bunnies. Children age 1-5 with adult can bring a lunch and listen to stories at noon at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Free. 703-765-3645.
Lantern Tours. 7-10 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. $5/person. Call ahead to verify tour date. With a costumed guide, see life before the advent of electricity. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838-4242.
Saturday/Aug. 18
Music Performance. Listen to Keith Ailer perform jazz music from 6:30-9 p.m. at Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. Tickets can be purchased at www.alexblackhistory.org. 703-838-4356.
Alexandria Surrenders. Noon to 4 p.m. at Carlyle House, 121 N Fairfax St., Alexandria. Mayor Charles Simms and the citizens of Alexandria negotiate the surrender of the city to His Majestyís Forces in 1814. Author Christopher George provides commentary for the reenactment. Free. Call 703-549-2997 or visit www.carlylehouse.org.
Perennials. 9:30-11 a.m. learn about "Perennials For the Dog Days of Summer" at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Explore the world of perennials and their allies, including cultivation, placement and more. $16/class. 703-642-5173 to register.
Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St. The Marine Chamber Orchestra will be performing a free concert with selections by Beethoven and more. Visit www.nvcc.edu/schlesingercenter or 703-845-6156.
Garden Sprouts: Splash Party. 10-11 a.m. Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Play water games and learn why water makes a garden grow. Bring a towel and wear your bathing suit. $5. Ages 3-5 with adult. For more information and to register call 703-642-5173.
Black Authors Book Discussion Group. "The Measure of a Man" by Sidney Poitier will be discussed at 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Free. 703-765-3645.
Monday/Aug. 20
Summer Crafts. Children ages 6-12 can create fun crafts at 1 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Free. 703-971-0010.
Tuesday/Aug. 21
Mother-Daughter Book Group. Join for a lively discussion. Age 9-11 with adult. Call for book title. 7 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Free. 703-971-0010.
Let's Go on Vacation. Stories and activities for children 1-2 years of age with adult at 10:30 a.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Free. 703-339-4610.
Genealogical Society Meeting. 1 p.m. at Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. Discuss the surviving records available from a variety of different sources. Free. Visit www.MVGenealogy.org or 703-360-0920.