Send announcements to the Gazette, by e-mail to gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is Friday at noon for the following week’s paper. Photos and artwork encouraged. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with questions.
The Alexandria Health Department has a volunteer opportunity focusing on emergency management. The position involves a commitment of 1700 hours over the next year with an Americorps educational stipend of $4725 upon completion. Flexible hours and some work-at-home possibilities. Individual will be directly involved in emergency preparedness and volunteer management. Contact John Clizbe, Emergency Planner, Alexandria Health Department, 4480 King St. Call 703-838-4400, Ext. 275.
Alzheimer's Support Group. The Alzheimer's Association Caregiver Support Group meets the first Wednesday of each month, at 4:30 p.m., at the Alexandria Adult Day Health Center. The group is free and open to the community. The Alexandria Adult Day Health Center is located at 1108 Jefferson St. Call 703-838-4224 before attending to verify time and location.
Alexandria Red Cross relies on volunteers to sustain its humanitarian mission for disaster relief efforts, to teach first aid and CPR, for the Friendly Visitor Program and other community service work, special events, administrative support, to work with the Junior Red Cross and for blood donation services for the citizens of Alexandria. Training is provided. Call 703-549-8300 or see the Web site at http://www.alexandriaredcross.org.
Haven of Northern Virginia sponsors several ongoing free bereavement groups meeting throughout Fairfax County. For more information, call 703-941-7000 or visit www.havenofnova.org.
The Mount Vernon Community Wellness Initiative has published a free educational pamphlet, "High Blood Pressure: Learn the Facts and Reduce the Risks." The pamphlet is being distributed to churches, libraries, pharmacies, physician's offices and community organizations. For a copy, call 703-360-4000.
CrisisLink has been helping people deal with anxiety, stress and crisis throughout the entire metropolitan area for 35 years. Call 703-527-4077 or 1-800-784-2433, or learn more about their confidential, free hot line and crisis response services on the web at www.crisislink.org.
"Living healthier, being more social, and helping others" are all ideas perennially at the top of people's resolution lists. Here's a suggestion to tackle all three at once. By joining the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training (TNT) program, individuals can actually complete their New Year's resolutions and have fun doing it. TNT can take people of all skill-levels (including beginners) from sitting on the sofa to the finish line of an endurance event. Participants will adopt a new lifestyle that they maintain even after their event is over. For additional TNT information, call The National Capital Area Chapter of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at 703-960-1100; or visit: www.teamintraining.org.
The Sexual Assault Response and Awareness (SARA) Program will be offering two support groups beginning in January 2007. The Significant Others Support Group is a six-week, co-ed group for partners of sexual assault/sexual abuse survivors. Group topics will include the recovery process, communication, and intimacy. This support group will meet on Thursday evenings from 6:30–8 p.m.
The Creative Expression Support Group is for adult survivors of sexual assault or sexual abuse that will incorporate non-verbal forms of expression, such as poetry, art, and journaling. This six-week group is for those who have previously participated in another support group. The support group will meet on Wednesdays from 6:30–8 p.m. Both support groups are sponsored by the SARA Program, and will be held in Alexandria. For more information on becoming involved, contact Jen McLish at 703-838-5030.
The Naomi Project is an all-volunteer resource program for pregnant and newly parenting mothers. The organization has been serving women and families in Northern Virginia for over 11 years promoting healthy pregnancies, fostering good parenting skills, and helping clients prepare for productive futures. Contact Kathy Shinal with The Retired and Senior Volunteer Program at The Campagna Center. Call 703.549.0111 X129 or e-mail kshinal@campagnacenter.org.
Inova HealthSource is now offering online classes for new parents and persons interested in losing weight. "Baby's First Foods" is an online course for working parents with no time to attend an on-site class. Tips are given for when to introduce solid foods and what types of foods to offer. The other class is "Weight Loss 101" and includes basic tips and strategies for healthy eating in our busy lives. Classes are available at anytime at the participant's convenience. The site is www.inovahealthsource.com, but pre-registration is required for a username and password. Class fee is $15. Register online at www.inova.org or by calling 703-204-3366.