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.
<b> Ongoing
</b> Bike Ride. Every Sunday at 2 p.m. at Cameron Run Regional Park Parking lot, 4100 Eisenhower Ave. Come ride on the Holmes Run Greenway. Anyone can ride, children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Free. Ride either 5.6 miles or 6.9 miles. Visit http://bike.meetup.com/288 or call Susan Schneider, BikeWalk Alexandria, at 202-403-1148.
America's oldest and largest display of historic and contemporary needlework open competition is showcased each day of March (1-31) at Woodlawn's 1805 mansion, 9000 Richmond Highway from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Nelly's Needlers' Tea Room offers lunch and desserts from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (cash and checks only). Group luncheon reservations for 10 or more are required — call 703-960-9012. All proceeds benefit Woodlawn. Visit www.woodlawn1805.org or 703-780-4000.
In March and April, in fun and informative "seminars" local residents can learn how to find treasures along Richmond Highway. There will be guided "field trips" to find great treasures in thrift shops and antique shops. WIth the help of an expert, the treasure hunters will explore the wonderful local sources for antique, vintage, collectible and gently used great finds. Sign up for one session or a series. 703-819-4512 for more information.
The Alexandria Library invites the community to read “Marley & Me: Life and Love with the World’s Worst Dog,” by John Grogan this spring as part of the inaugural All Alexandria Reads program. From April through June, all residents of Alexandria are encouraged to check out “Marley & Me,” and get involved in discussion groups, special events, and activities that focus on animal-based themes from the book. Extra copies of the book are available at every library in Alexandria—check out your copy today and be a part of this exciting program. As part of this year’s All Alexandria Reads activities, the Alexandria Library has planned a number of other spring programs featuring information on dog health, obedience, and even massage. For a complete listing of events, visit a branch of the Alexandria Library or visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us
See “National Treasure” tours through March 31 at 10:30 a.m. or 2:30 p.m. at Mount Vernon Estate. $2/person including the admission: $13/adult; $12/senior; $6/child. Visit www.mountvernon.org for more.
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.
<b>Other Stuff
</b> High school students from the Greater Washington Metropolitan Area are being offered entertaining instruction in a cappella harmony during the 2008 Youth Harmony Festival, sponsored by the Alexandria Harmonizers Chorus, on Saturday, March 29, at the Dr. Oswald Durant Memorial Center, 1605 Cameron St. This inaugural event is open to young men and women in grades 8 to 12, and choral music educators from schools in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. Registration required. Further information and registration forms are available at www.harmonizers.org or by calling Brad Jones at 301-460-6362.
<b>Friday/March 28
</b> Lunch Bunch. Noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Children up to age 5 can bring lunch and listen to stories. Free. 703-971-0010.
Time for 2’s. 10 a.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Children ages 24-36. Registration required, 703-519-5900 ext. 4.
Music performance. There will be a Mount Vernon Pyramid choral concert featuring Mount Vernon High School, Walt Whitman Middle School and more at 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road. Free. E-mail justin.duff@fcps.edu for more. Music Performance. Mount Vernon Pyramid presents “On With the Show” at 7 p.m. at 8515 Old Mount Vernon Road. Free.
<b>Saturday/March 29
</b> Evening of Magic. 6:30 p.m. at Bishop Ireton High School, 201 Cambridge Road. See local magicians perform in the lobby and performance starts at 7:30 p.m. $10/person. Visit www.magi-whirl.org or 703-698-6953.
Saturday Stories. 10:30 a.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. All ages. Registration required, 703-519-5900 ext. 4.
Music Performance. 8 p.m. at The Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Beverly Cosham sings Cabaret. $25/person. Visit alexperformingartsassociation.com or 703-505-0700.
Great Rum Punch Challenge. 7-9:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Enjoy seven different rum punches created by local distilleries. $50/person or $100/person which includes a special patron bag. Both prices include unlimited food and drink. Reservations required, 703-838-4242 or www.gadsbystavern.org. Annual Dance for All Ages. 7-9 p.m. at T.C. Williams High School, 3330 King St. Enjoy a “Sock Hop” for all ages with prizes and awards. Free. RSVP by March 21 to Robert Gordon 703-838-4831.
Author Talk. 1:30 p.m. at Sherwood Regional Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Mar-Carroll Potter will discuss “Prolonging a Lifestyle that We Treasure.” Free. 703-765-6690.
Martial Art Display. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. at Studio Ondas in Landmark Mall, 5801 Duke St. Watch this art while listening to music, participate in workshops and more. For more information, visit: http://ondascapoeira.com
Kite Festival. Noon-5 p.m. at Gunston Hall, 10709 Gunston Road. Enjoy puppet shows, cooking, fire trucks, see the “Bubble Lady” and fly your own kite or buy one from the shop. $8/adult; $4/child and free to members. Visit www.gunstonhall.org or 703-550-9220.
<b>Sunday/March 30
</b> Fine Art Auction. 2:30 p.m. at Belle Haven Country Club, 6023 Fort Hunt Road. Browse through 150 pieces of art including art by Torpedo Factory artists. $25/person includes hors d’oeuvres, dessert, coffe and a glass of wine. Benefits local charities. Call Joe for tickets 703-971-8148.
Music Performance. The “President’s Own” Marine Band Orchestra will perform at 2 p.m. at Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Free. Visit www.marineband.usmc.mil or 202-433-4011.
Open Reception. 1-3 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road, artist Kim Stenberg will show her recent work in acrylics in a two-month exhibition from Feb. 26 through April 27. Works included in the exhibition are landscape and floral paintings on paper and canvas.
Opening Reception. 1-3 p.m. see “Canvas Garden II” by Marni Maree through April 28 at Green Spring Gardens Park Horticultural Center, 4601 Green Spring Road. See watercolors painted on canvas. Visit www.marnimaree.com or 703-642-5173.
Arts and Crafts Day. 4-6 p.m. at Chinquapin Park Rec Center, 3210 King St. Children will be able to decorate tiles for the Soft Playroom. $20/tile. Visit softplayroom.expres.ts.com to ensure a tile will be available.
<b>Monday/March 31
</b> Little One-Ders. 10 a.m. or 10:45 a.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. Children ages 12-23 months. Registration required, 703-519-5900 ext. 4.
Family Story Night. 7 p.m. at Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St. For all ages. Free. 703-519-5900.
Mother Goose Time. 9:30 a.m. at Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen St. For children ages 12-24 months. Free. 703-838-4555.
March Madness Band Concert. 7:30 p.m. The West Potomac High School Band presents its annual performance of spirited march music, joined by guest artists and conductors from the community. Springbank Auditorium, 6500 Quander Road. Free. 703-765-3019.
Show-Style Review. Fourth grade staff and students will host “Deal or No Deal: A Review of the SOLs” at 6:30 .m. at Jefferson Houston, 1501 Cameron St. Free. 703-706-4400.
<b>Tuesday/April 1
</b>Tiny Tots. 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Stories and songs for children ages 13-23 months with adult. Free. 703-768-6700.
Story Time Adventures. 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Stories, games and creative activities for children ages 6-9. Free. 703-768-6700.
Celebrate Mother Goose. 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Hall Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Stories and interactive drama for all ages. Free. 703-765-3645.
<b>Wednesday/April 2
</b>Science Unrestricted. 4:30-7:30 p.m. at Institute for Defense Analysis, 4850 Mark Center Drive. Students, families and teachers can build a computer, make slime and more, including contests, prizes, toys and more. Free. 703-824-6639.
Story Time. 10:30 a.m. at Olsson’s Old Town, 106 S. Union St. Children ages 3-5 can enjoy a picture book. Free. 703-684-0077.
Make a T-Shirt. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Office on Women, 421 King St., Suite 400. Make a t-shirt to honor survivors or victims of sexual assault. All materials provided. Contact Robin at 703-838-5030.
Lunch Bunnies. Noon at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Bring a lunch for children ages 1-5 with adult. Free. 703-339-4610.
<b>Thursday/April 3
</b>Poetry Nights. 7 p.m. at Olsson’s Old Town, 106 S. Union St. Read favorite or original poems. Free. 703-684-0077.
Book Discussion. 12:15 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Discuss “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” by Judy Blume and “The Contender” by Robert Lipsyte. Adults. Free. 703-339-4610.
<b>Friday/April 4
</b> Music for Brass Quintet. 8 p.m. at Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Free. Hear music by the United States Air Force Band Chamber Players. Visit www.usafband.af.mil or 202-767-5658.
Lunch Bunch. Noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Bring lunch and join for stories. For children birth-5 years with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
<b>Saturday/April 5
</b> Music Performance. 8 p.m. at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra will perform with the Metropolitan Chorus and Heritage Signature Chorale. 420$80/person. Visit www.alexsym.org or 703-548-0885.
Sewing Bee. Make colorful, lightweight cotton Recovery Covers for breast cancer surgery patients from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at Del Ray Artisans Gallery in the Colasanto Center, 2407 Mount Vernon Ave. Sewing machines will be on hand, but if you want to bring another and scissors, thread (all colors) and straight pins, please do. A simple pattern is available. If you have questions, please call Jane DeWeerd 703-548-2612 or Theresa Kulstad 703-283-0399.
The Big Sale. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at 7770-G Richmond Highway. Browse through a variety of items with proceeds benefiting Habitat for Humanity. Free.
Opening Reception. 2-6 p.m. Ruth Baja Willams and Jane Andrle Gillette exhibit “Seasons of Friendship, Poems and Paintings” April 1 through April 30 at Cameron Perks Coffeehouse, 4911 Brenman Park. Free. Artist Jane Gillett created the artwork to hang next to poems by Ruth Williams. Free. 703-765-1748 or jandrle@speakeasy.net.
<b>Sunday/April 6
</b> Music Performance. 3 p.m. at the Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center, 3001 N. Beauregard St. The Alexandria Symphony Orchestra will perform with the Metropolitan Chorus and Heritage Signature Chorale. 420$80/person with $5/youth. Visit www.alexsym.org or 703-548-0885.
Day in the Life. From noon-4 p.m., visitors to The Carlyle House, 121 N. Fairfax St., will be able to meet Major General Edward Braddock, who made Carlyle House his headquarters in 1755. See re-enactors representing various people from that time. 703-549-2997.
<b>Monday/April 7
</b>Tavern Toddlers. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern, 134 N. Royal St. Learn about what life was like 200 years ago, how to be a traveler and take part in activities. $10/week for three or $35/five-week pass for up to three people. 703-838-4242 or visit www.gadsbystavern.org.
<b>Tuesday/April 8
</b>About Architecture. 7 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. A lecture about the works in Hollin Hills and more by Gregory Hunt. Free. Visit www.aianova.org/archweek_main.php.
Friends Annual Meeting. 7:30 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. “Franconia History Comes Alive.” Free. 703-971-0010.
What’s New in Picture Books. 7:30 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Learn about books to use with preschoolers. Free. 703-971-0010.
Tuesday Evening Book Group. 7 p.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. “Year of Wonder: A Novel of the Plague” by Geraldine Brooks. Free. 703-768-6700.
<b>Wednesday/April 9
</b> Story Time. 10:30 a.m. at Olsson’s Old Town, 106 S. Union St. Children ages 3-5 can enjoy a picture book. Free. 703-684-0077.
Exhibit and Lecture. 6:30-8 p.m. at Virginia Tech’s Alexandria campus, 1001 Prince St. Features projects by local architects and a presentation by Lee Quill. Free. Visit www.aianova.org/archweek_main.php.
Rising Words, Rising Images. 11 a.m. at Sherwood Hall Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Discuss “The Song Shoots Out of My Mouth” by Jaime Adoff and participate in activities. Free. For children ages 9-12. 703-765-3645.
<b>Thursday/April 10
</b> Opening Reception. 6-9 p.m. The Kiln Club at Scope Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., is holding its “Annual Juried Show” from April 7 through May 4. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org or 703-548-6288.
Jazzpoetry. 7 p.m. at Caboose Café, 2419 Mount Vernon Ave. Hear Jonathan Vaile, Cliff Bernier, Shep Williams and more. Free. 703-566-1283.
Reception. 6-9 p.m. Gallery West, 1213 King St., presents “Painted Places Near and Far” by Helen Dilley Barsalou from April 2 through May 4. See images from France, Italy, Portugal and US. Free. 703-549-6006.
Spring Is Here. 10:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Springtime stories for children ages 2-3 with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
<b>Friday/April 11
</b> Music for Brass Quintet. 8 p.m. at Masonic Memorial, 101 Callahan Drive. Hear music by the United States Air Force Band. Free. Visit www.usafband.af.mil or 202-767-5658.
16th Annual Poetry Marathon. 2-4 p.m. at Library of Congress, Independence Avenue and 1st Street, S.E., Washington, D.C. Hosted by Teatro de la Luna. Hear from many different poets including Marcelo Pellegrini. Free but donations accepted. Visit www.teatrodelaluna.org or 703-548-3092.
Café Cattail. 7 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Share nature inspired poetry, music or dance. All ages. Free, refreshments served. 703-768-2525.
Lunch Bunch. Noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Bring lunch and join for stories. For children birth-5 years with adult. Free. 703-971-0010.
Clowns and Circuses. 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. Stories, activities and a craft for children ages 2-5. Free. 703-768-6700.
<b>Saturday/April 12
</b> Book Signing. 10 a.m.-noon at Alexandria Library, 717 Queen St. Meet the authors of “Historic Photos of Alexandria” by Julie Ballin Patton and Rita Holtz. Free.
Auction. St. Rita School, 3801 Russell Road, will hold auctions at 6:30 p.m. in the Atrium of the National Science Foundation. Tickets are $35/person; $60/couple with discounts for seniors. Call 703-548-1888 for tickets.
Architecture Bike Ride. 10 a.m., participants in this self-guided tour can pick up points of interest at the Roosevelt Island Parking lot or Founders Park next to the Torpedo Factory. Free. Visit www.aianova.org/archweek_main.php.
16th Annual Poetry Marathon. 2-8 p.m. at Casa de la Luna, 4020 Georgia Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. Hosted by Teatro de la Luna. Hear from many different poets including Marcelo Pellegrini. Free but donations accepted. Visit www.teatrodelaluna.org or 703-548-3092.
Kaydee Puppets. 10:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. “Rumplestiltskin” and “Noddaberry Good Day.” All ages. Free. 703-971-0010.
<b>Sunday/April 13
</b>Opening Reception. 1-4 p.m. The Artists’ Undertaking Gallery, 309 Mill St., in Historic Occoquan, presents “Art on the Edge,” an exhibit of works of art by wood turner, Patrick O’Brien of Alexandria. 703-494-0584 or at www.theartistsundertaking.com.
Music Performance. 7 p.m. at Church of the Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard St. Focus Inn Alexandria presents Michael Smith with Chuck Hall. $15/person, $12/member. Visit www.focusmusic.org or 703-380-3151.
Music Performance. 4 p.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2701 Cameron Mills Road. Hear music by the Alexandria Choral Society Children’s Chorus and American Youth Philharmonic. $15/adult; $10/senior and free for children under 18. Visit www.AlexChoralSociety.org
Walking Tour. 1-3 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Walking tour covers the history of Alexandria through its architecture. Free but registration requested, reservations@aianova.org.
Music Performance. The NOVA Community Chorus and the Washington Metropolitan Philharmonic will perform “The Sea Symphony” at 5 p.m. at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St. $15/advance; $20/door; 18 and under free. E-mail mwhitmire@nvcc.edu or 703-845-6097.
Reception. 4-7 p.m. Gallery West, 1213 King St., presents “Painted Places Near and Far” by Helen Dilley Barsalou from April 2 through May 4. See images from France, Italy, Portugal and US. Free. 703-549-6006.
<b>Monday/April 14
</b> Rainbow Readers. 10:30 a.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Colorful stories, songs and fun for children ages 24-35 months with adult. Free. 703-339-4610.
Monday Morning Book Discussion. 10:30 a.m. at Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road. “The World is Flat” by Thomas Friedman. Adults. Free. 703-768-6700.
Small Wonders. 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Hall Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Stories and fingerplays for children ages 12-23 with adult. Free. 703-765-3645.
Books & Ideas. 7:30 p.m. at Sherwood Hall Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Discuss “Team of Rivals” by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Free. Adults. 703-765-3645.
<b>Tuesday/April 15
</b> Mother-Daughter Book Group. 7 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Join for a lively book discussion. Children ages 9-11. Free. 703-971-0010.
It’s Raining Cats and Dogs. 10:30 a.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Furry stories and activities for children ages 13-23 months. Free. 703-339-4610.