E-mail announcements to the Gazette, gazette@connectionnewspapers.com. Photos and artwork are encouraged. Deadline is Thursday at noon for the following week's paper. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with questions.
<cal1>Other Items
<cal2> The Alexandria Choral Society announces auditions for the Adult Chorus. Auditions will be held Aug. 5 from 6-9 p.m. and July 26 and Aug. 9 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1301 Collingwood Road. Sign up for an audition time at www.AlexChoralSociety.org. If you have any questions about the audition process, e-mail AlexandriaChoralSociety@gmail.org.
The City of Alexandria will host its Second Annual Film Festival at the Lee Center’s Kauffman Auditorium (1108 Jefferson St.) from Sept. 25 through Sept. 28. This year’s Film Festival theme is “Politics in the USA,” and the Alexandria Commission for the Arts is seeking short films, features, and documentaries supporting the theme. Winning films will be shown as part of the Festival. The Commission has extended the deadline to submit a film entry to July 30. To receive a submission form, visit www.alexandriacommissionforthearts.org .
<cal1> Ongoing
<cal2> Every Monday and Friday through August from 10 a.m. –11 a.m. or 11 a.m. –noon Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria will be having Harry Potter’s Plants and Potions for 6- 12 year olds. The program teaches children how to craft a wizard’s wand and make potions. $6 for Students. Call 703-642-5173 to register. For more information visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gspg
Every Monday and Friday through Aug 11-15 and 18-22 Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, Alexandria will be having Butterfly Lab to teach children ages 6-12 to raise their own butterflies. $ 135 for students, includes supplies and light snacks. Call 703-642-5173 to register. For more information visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gspg
Visit George Washington’s Distillery & Gristmill through Oct. 31 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. See how whiskey got started. $4/adult; $2/child. Get discounts with admission to Mount Vernon Estate. Visit www.mountvernon.org for more.
Take a seasonal walking tour from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. This 30-minute tour explores a variety of contributions. Free. Visit www.mountvernon.org for more.
On Sundays take a Potomac River Sightseeing Cruise at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1 p.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. $9/adult; $5/child in addition to Mount Vernon Estate admission. Visit www.mountvernon.org for schedules.
Every Tuesday and Thursday through October from 5- 8 p.m. at Hotel Monaco Alexandria, enjoy Doggie Happy Hour. Enjoy doggie treats and human treats.
Join City archaeologists and trained volunteers for an exciting program for kids of all ages at Alexandria Archaeology Family Dig Days. Be part of the fascinating archaeological investigation and discover firsthand the hidden clues left behind by the people who lived and worked there hundreds of years ago, by helping screen excavated soil. Monthly Family Dig Days will be held from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the George Washington Masonic National Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive, in Alexandria. The 2008 dates are on Saturdays: Aug. 16; Sept. 20 and Oct. 18. $5/person and spots fill up fast. Call 703-838-4399 or visit www.alexandriaarchaeology.org to reserve a spot.
On Sundays from noon-5 p.m., visit the Waterfront and see history-inspired performances near the Torpedo Factory; do a “meet and greet” of early Alexandria residents and travelers near the Waterfront and lower King Street. Free. Visit www.historicalexandria.org for more.
In celebration of the exhibition “Setting the President’s Table: American Presidential China,” visitors to Mount Vernon will have a chance every day from June 1 to Aug. 31 to win a piece of porcelain featuring the Martha Washington “States” pattern. Drawings occur daily at 3 p.m. in the Shops at Mount Vernon, and the grand prize will be drawn on Aug. 31. No purchase is required, and visitors do not have to be present to win. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-780-2000.
On Saturdays through Aug. 16 from 1-3 p.m., children ages 8-12 years can learn how to create a garden with hands-on activities and will be able to grow a garden. $10/student. At Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road. To register, 703-642-5173.
See Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St., in a whole new light – lantern light. Tour the 1785 tavern and 1792 City Hotel during the summer season with costumed guides as you experience the tavern as patrons did more than 200 years ago before the advent of electricity. Tours are every Friday night, June through August, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets are $5 per person ages 5 and up. Tours last approximately 30 minutes, with the last tour starting at 9:15 p.m. Call ahead to confirm tour date. For more information, call 703-838-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
On Mondays, Aug. 25, Sept. 29, Oct. 27, and Nov. 24 at 2 p.m. Green Spring Gardens will be having Family Story Time for children of all ages where there will be stories and activities. Free. For more information visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/gspg
Children enter a world of fantasy and fables when costumed interpreters weave three tales together during Mount Vernon’s outdoor storytelling session, “Once Upon a Time at Mount Vernon”, held every Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. through Sept. 27 at the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site. “Once Upon at Time at Mount Vernon” is included in regular Estate admission: adults, $13.00; youth ages 6-11, $6.00; and children under 5 are admitted free. Visit www.mountvernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Friday/July 25
Mount Vernon Nights. Listen to a variety of music at 7:30 p.m. on Friday nights at Grist Mill Park, 4710 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. Free. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances for more.
Friday Flicks. Noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Children up to age 5 can bring lunch and enjoy stories and a short movie. Free. 703-971-0010.
Lunch Bunnies. Noon at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Children ages 1-5 can bring lunch and enjoy stories. Free. 703-765-3645.
Wee Ones Story Time. 10:30 a.m. at Hooray For Books, 1555 King St. Children ages 2 and younger can enjoy songs and stories. Free. Visit www.hooray4books.com or 703-548-4092.

Saturday/July 26
Lee District Nights. 7:30 p.m. at Hayfield Elementary School, 7633 Telegraph Road. Hear Cathy Fink & Marcy Marxer perform. Free. 703-324-SHOW (7469).
Diverse World of Hydrangeas. 9:30-11 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. $18/person. Learn everything about hydrangeas. 703-642-5173.
African Heritage Festival. 1-7 p.m. at Market Square, 301 King St. Free. Enjoy “Reaching Back, Moving Forward” with music, dancing, workshops, food and more. 703-838-4844.
African Culture Story Time. 11 a.m. at Hooray For Books, 1555 King St. Children ages 2-6 can hear stories about the culture. Free. www.hooray4books.com or 703-548-4092.
Sunday/July 27
Dress Up Your Walls Tea. 1-3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Learn how to effectively display art in home. Includes a full tea. $25/person. 703-941-7987 to register.
Music Performance. Pianist Stephen Bertino will perform with the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic at 3 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Free. Visit www.wmpa.us for more.
Monday/July 28
Writers’ Group. 7 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Bring work and receive feedback. Free. 703-339-4610.
Tuesday/July 29
Mother-Daughter Book Discussion. 7 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Daughters age 9-11 can join. Call for title, 703-971-0010.
Balloon Animals. 2 p.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Children ages 6-12 can learn how to make balloon animals. Free. 703-765-3645.
Library Lullabies. 7 p.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Children ages 1-5 can enjoy bedtime stories and activities. Free. 703-765-3645.
Theater Night. 8 p.m. at Little Theater of Alexandria. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church is sponsoring a night of “1776.” $25/person. 703-765-3949.
Wednesday/July 30
Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Lee District Park Amphitheater, 6601 Telegraph Road. Hear John McCutcheon perform. Free. 703-922-9841.
On the Ball. 2:30 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Children ages 6-12 can see former Harlem Globetrotter Spinny Johnson perform tricks. Free. 703-339-4610.
Art Workshop. The Crossroads Gallery, 3440 S. Jefferson St., Falls Church, will host workshops with featured artist and Alexandria native Audrey Grissom on from 3-4 p.m. Free.
Thursday/July 31
Day at The Beach. 10:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Children ages 6-12 can learn about sand, waves, tides and sun along with creatures at the shore. Free. 703-971-0010.
Lutindo. 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. All ages can stomp feet and clap along with Ssuuna. Free. 703-768-6700.
Friday/Aug. 1
Mount Vernon Nights. Listen to a variety of music at 7:30 p.m. on Friday nights at Grist Mill Park, 4710 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. Free. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances for more.’
Saturday/Aug. 2
Lee District Nights. 7:30 p.m. at Hayfield Elementary School, 7633 Telegraph Road. Hear SingCo Rhythm Orchestra perform. Free. 703-324-SHOW (7469).
The Fruits of Summer: Tomatoes and Peppers. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Green Springs Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Learn gardening secrets from Cindy Brown, Green Spring Horticulturist, and taste some tomatoes and peppers. $18 for Adults. Visit www.faircounty.gov/parks/gsgp
Gadsby’s Tavern Day. 1-5 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern, 134 N. Royal St. Free. Take tours, dance and more. www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838-4242.
Railroad Days. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Browse through miniature towns, valleys and more. Free. Hand-on Thomas the Tank engine area. www.alexandriahistory.org or 703-838-4994.
Friendship Firehouse Festival. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the firehouse, 100 block S. Alfred St. Free. Look at antique and modern fire equipment, booths, food and more.
Sunday/Aug. 3
Railroad Days. 1-5 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Browse through miniature towns, valleys and more. Free. Hand-on Thomas the Tank engine area. www.alexandriahistory.org or 703-838-4994.
Tuesday/Aug. 5
Theater Fundraiser. See “1776” at Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe St. Benefits Mount Vernon Community Children’s Theatre. Reception at 7 p.m. and show at 8 p.m. $20/person www.mvcct.org or 703-360-0686.
Wednesday/Aug. 6
Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Lee District Park Amphitheater, 6601 Telegraph Road. Hear Citizen perform. Free. 703-922-9841.
Benefit Concert. 6:30 p.m. at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church, 2001 Sherwood Hall Lane. Bring canned or nonperishable food to benefit UCM. www.mvpconline.org or 703-765-6118.
Thursday/Aug.7
Garden Sprouts: Green, Green Grasses. 9:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. at Green Springs Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Preschool children (3-5 years) with accompanying adults can visit a variety of ornamental grasses in the gardens and then make their own. $6 for participants. For more information visit www.faircounty.gov/parks/gsgp
Music Performance. Dagmar and The Seductones will perform at 7 p.m. at Fort Ward Park, 4301 West Braddock Road. Free. 703-883-4686.
Theatre Performance. Morningstar Productions presents “Cheaper by the Dozen” at 7 p.m. at Plymouth Haven Baptist Church, 8523 Fort Hunt Road. $7/adult; $4/child, senior or student. 703-577-3966.
Garden Stroll and Tea. 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. at Green Springs Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Take a relaxing stroll though the gardens and enjoy a tea at the Historic House. Individuals and groups are welcomed. $25 for individuals For more information visit www.faircounty.gov/parks/gsgp
Theatre Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Plymouth Haven Baptist Church, 8523 Fort Hunt Road. See “Cheaper by the Dozen.” $7/adult; $4/child. 703-577-3966.
Friday/Aug. 8
Mount Vernon Nights. Listen to a variety of music at 7:30 p.m. on Friday nights at Grist Mill Park, 4710 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway. Free. Visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/parks/performances for more.
Theatre Performance. Morningstar Productions presents “Cheaper by the Dozen” at 7 p.m. at Plymouth Haven Baptist Church, 8523 Fort Hunt Road. $7/adult; $4/child, senior or student. 703-577-3966.
Theatre Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Plymouth Haven Baptist Church, 8523 Fort Hunt Road. See “Cheaper by the Dozen.” $7/adult; $4/child. 703-577-3966.
Saturday/Aug. 9
Lee District Nights. 7:30 p.m. at Hayfield Elementary School, 7633 Telegraph Road. Hear The Continentals perform. Free. 703-324-SHOW (7469).
Designing with Perennials. 9:30-11 a.m. at Green Spring Garden, 4603 Green Spring Road. Combine perennials and woody plants. $18/session. 703-642-5173.
Theatre Performance. Morningstar Productions presents “Cheaper by the Dozen” at 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. at Plymouth Haven Baptist Church, 8523 Fort Hunt Road. $7/adult; $4/child, senior or student. 703-577-3966.
Garden Sprouts: Green, Green Grasses. 10 a.m. –11 p.m. at Green Springs Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Preschool children (3-5 years) with accompanying adults can visit a variety of ornamental grasses in the gardens and then make their own. $6 for participants. For more information visit www.faircounty.gov/parks/gsgp
Theatre Performance. 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at Plymouth Haven Baptist Church, 8523 Fort Hunt Road. See “Cheaper by the Dozen.” $7/adult; $4/child. 703-577-3966.
Sunday/Aug. 10
Music Performance. The Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic Winds will perform at 3 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Free. Visit www.wmpa.us for more.
This Week in History Tea Program. 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. at Green Springs Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Learn how to use the Fairfax County Public Library’s Historical Newspaper Index to view the past 120 years through the pages of our local papers and enjoy some tea. $25 for participants. Call 703-941-7987 to register. For more information visit www.faircounty.gov/parks/gsgp
Wednesday/Aug. 13
Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Lee District Park Amphitheater, 6601 Telegraph Road. Hear Washington Balalaika Orchestra perform. Free. 703-922-9841.