<i>Know of something missing from our community calendar? E-mail it to <a href=mailto:arlington@connectionnewspapers.com> arlington@connectionnewspapers.com</a>. Deadline is 2 p.m. the Thursday before publication. Call Rebecca Halik at 703-917-6407 with any questions. Photos are welcome. For more volunteer opportunities, classes, announcements visit <a href=http://www.arlingtonconnection.com>www.arlingtonconnection.com</a> and click on Community.</i>
All Naval Officers’ Spouses (active, reserve and retired) are invited to a Welcome Coffee on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m. at the Army Navy Country Club in Arlington. RSVP to jckamp@aol.com or 703-538-5874.
Sunday, Sept 14, 11:30 a.m. listen to "Half Empty or Half Full?" The Rev. Sandi John will explore ways that hope and spirituality can lead to an "attitude of abundance" in a free community presentation at Bethel United Church of Christ, 4347 Arlington Blvd. 703-528-0937.
The Virginia Hospital Center is sponsoring a free Health Fair for seniors on the opening day of the 2008 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics, Sat., Sept. 20. The Fair will be held from 9 a.m. – noon at the Thomas Jefferson Community Center, 3501 S. 2nd St. 703-228-4721.
Arlington parents can attend "Things We Wish We'd Known about the College Search Process (but didn't know enough to ask!)" on Sept. 25 from 7-9 p.m. at Yorktown High School, 5201 N. 28th St. Free. 703-201-3399.
Learn how to get movies distributed on Sept. 20 from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at the NRECA building, 4301 Wilson Blvd. For more information www.distribution.la.
Learn how to safely lose weight surgically or non-surgically on Thursday, Sept. 18, 6:30-7:30 p.m., Virginia Hospital Center, Conference Center, 1701 N. George Mason Drive. Free, registration required. 703-558-0877.
State Senator Mary Margaret Whipple will share the latest happenings in the Virginia General Assembly on Sept. 10, 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Church of the Covenant, 2666 Military Road. For more information please contact Linda Erdberg at 703-876-9693.
Marcia Gardner, education director of Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, is the focus of a month-long WETA Hometown Heroes profile airing in September on WETA TV 26. Her profile premieres just prior to the broadcast of Antiques Roadshow on Monday, Sept. 8 at 8 p.m. on WETA TV 26 and repeats throughout the month. Visit www.weta.org.
The VitA (Visions into Action) charity organization broke all of its records on Aug. 9 to raise over $10,000 for Special Love, a local non-profit providing children with cancer with a fun camp experience.
The Arlington Learning in Retirement Institute (ALRI) will hold its Fall Open House on Saturday, Sept. 6 from 9 a.m. until noon at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), located at 4301 Wilson Blvd, Arlington. Information on courses for the fall session beginning Sept. 30 and on clubs, special events and other opportunities offered by ALRI will be available. Refreshments will be provided. 703-228-2144.
Arlington Learning in Retirement Institute (ALRI) is sponsoring a lecture on "The Bill of Rights and the Supreme Court" on Monday, Sept. 15 from 3-4:30 p.m. at the Arlington Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. The program will focus on the Supreme Court's 2008 decisions in cases involving provisions of the Bill of Rights. 703-228-2144 and press "3" for Special Events.
Volunteer advocates are needed to promote the quality of life and care for people living in Arlington nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Volunteers are assigned to a specific facility and spend 4 hours per week (2 during the weekday) meeting with residents. Good diplomacy and communication skills are essential. Training is scheduled for Sept. 15, 16 and 26. Following assignment, ongoing training and support are provided. For more information and an application, contact the Northern Virginia Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at 703-324-5422, or TTY: 703-449-1186 or visit www.fairfaxcounty.gov/LTCOmbudsman.
On Sunday, Sept. 14, The Old Dominion Chrysanthemum Society will present a one-hour descriptive program by Past President of the Potomac Lily Society, Jack Roe, discussing selection, growing, and exhibiting the true Lilies. The meeting will be held at the Falls Church Community Center, 223 Little Falls Street, Falls Church starting at 2:30 p.m. Free. Call Jim Dunne 703-560-8776 for more information.
Coming Out at Any Age: Support Group for Gay Men, at WWC NOVA, 5232 Lee Highway, Arlington, 6:30 p.m. Begins Sept. 17 and runs for 10 weeks. Call 703-531-4932 for more.
The Arlington Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) presents "Equity in Arlington Public Schools," Thursday, Sept. 11, 2008 at the NRECA Conference Center, 4301 Wilson Blvd., (Room C3) 7- 9:30 p.m. For more information contact Cecelia Espenoza at 703-989-9261.
The Arlington Rotary Club recently received four awards from the District Governor for its outstanding leadership in Rotary and specifically within our district! These awards were given to past president, Elizabeth Harr Bricksin for her leadership and key role towards each of these awards. The following awards were received: The Rotary International Presidential Citation; The Rotary District 7610 Governor's Citation; Rotary District 7610 "Exceptional" Award for International Service and Rotary District 7610 "Exceptional" Award for Club Service.
Greenbrier Learning Center needs volunteers for its after-school program with 3rd-5th graders in South Arlington. Volunteers must be at least 15 years old, have a strong interest in working with children, be motivated, and have the ability to provide tutoring to 3rd-5th grade students. 703-379-6488 x104, volunteer@gblc.org.
Arlington Free Clinic will be holding an online auction in addition to their Benefit Gala Silent Auction on Oct. 18. The online auction will be available beginning on Sept. 1 and will run through Oct. 20. It will feature items such as restaurant gift certificates, theater tickets and vacation getaways. View the items at www.arlingtonfreeclinic.org. For more information on the online auction or the gala, contact Jody Steiner Kelly at 703-979-1425, ext. 43 or jody@arlingtonfreeclinic.org.
Marcia Gardner, education director of Signature Theatre in Arlington is the focus of a month-long WETA Hometown Heroes profile airing in September on WETA TV 26. Her profile premieres just prior to the broadcast of Antiques Roadshow on Monday, Sept. 8 at 8 p.m. on WETA TV 26 and repeats throughout the month. For more information on WETA and its services, visit www.weta.org.
Interested in Foster Care? Have questions? Join the Arlington County Foster Care/Adoption Program at our next Foster Parent Orientation Session on Saturday Sept. 6, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at 3033 Wilson Blvd. Find out what it takes to be a foster parent, the process of becoming certified, how you can help a child in need and how our team will support you. For more information or to RSVP, contact Gerson Paniagua, Resource Recruiter, at 703-228-1550 or openheartsopenhomes@arlingtonva.us
On Sept. 18, there will be a volunteer management workshop "Managing Organizational Conflict" at 9:30 a.m. at Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. RSVP to Emily Gibbs at 703-246-3809. Free.
The Junior League of Northern Virginia (JLNV) membership is now open to all women aged 21 years and over residing in Northern Virginia and its surrounding areas for the JLNV's fall new member class. Events will be held at the following locations:
* Saturday, Sept. 6, 2008, 10 a.m.-Noon at Panera Bread, 4238 Wilson Blvd.
During construction of the new community center, Arlington Mill WIC clients will receive services at alternate locations in Arlington. There are three location choices for WIC Clinic starting September, 2008:
* Carlin Springs Elementary School—Wednesday only
5995 S. 5th Road _Arlington, VA 22204
* Fenwick
800 S. Walter Reed Drive
Arlington, VA 22204
* 3033 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 200A
Arlington, VA 22201
If you have questions or need an appointment, call 703-228-1260
Arlington County Public Health Division will offer STD and Family Planning services as well as HIV testing at two locations: 3033 Wilson Blvd. and 800 South Walter Reed Drive. The STD and Family Planning services listed below (on Monday and Thursday) will be by same-day appointment. Call to schedule an appointment.
* STD and Family Planning Services: Monday: Noon-3 p.m. at 3033 Wilson Blvd., Suite 200B; Thursday: 3-6 p.m. at 800 South Walter Reed Drive. To schedule an appointment, call 703-228-1200. For more information call 703-228-5200, option #3
* HIV Testing Services: Tuesday: 3-6 p.m. at 800 South Walter Reed Drive; Thursday: 10 a.m. -1 p.m. at 3033 Wilson Blvd., Suite 200B. HIV Testing is on a walk-in basis on the two days above –no appointment is necessary.
The 20-year reunion for the Yorktown High School Class of 1988 will be held the weekend of Oct. 3-5. The main event will be held at Washington Golf and Country Club on Saturday, Oct. 4. Please contact Cabell Fooshe’ at 703-930-1755 for more information.
Seniors 50 years of age and over are eligible to enter the 2008 Northern Virginia Senior Olympics to be held Sept. 20-Oct. 2. Registration information is available now at local senior centers, community centers, senior residences or by calling 703-228-3600, ext. 9996. They can also be downloaded online at www.novaseniorolympics.com. Registration deadline is Sept. 5.
The Arlington Disability Advisory Commission is seeking applicants to interview for several vacant positions. The Arlington Disability Advisory Commission is a 13 member, County Board appointed advisory group comprised of individuals who live and/or work in Arlington, and who are interested in and knowledgeable about issues involving people with physical and sensory disabilities. People with disabilities, community leaders, and business people are urged to apply. Individuals interested in serving on the Commission or any of its committees should contact the Disability Advisory Commission staff at 703-228-7096 or via e-mail at amaynard@arlingtonva.us for more information or to request a copy of the Commission's Application Form. The form may also be found on the Arlington County Web site under "Advisory Groups."
Now Arlington community members have a new, convenient way to get trained in lifesaving skills such as CPR and first aid – online. The Arlington County Chapter has partnered with the American Red Cross of Greater Indianapolis to offer Red Cross online training. Some online training courses, like CPR, require students to attend a skill session before a certificate can be issued. Skill sessions normally take about two hours and are regularly scheduled, during the week and the weekends for convenience. Visit www.arlingtonredcross.org or, call 703-527-3010 ext. 736
Volunteer with the Arlington Red Cross, and help families in Arlington, the Greater Washington Area, or even nationally. Choose your level of participation. Red Cross training also helps you to prepare for emergencies in your own life. Since the Red Cross needs many special skills, almost everyone can find a place to make a meaningful contribution to their community. Contact Heather Pritchett, Volunteer Services Coordinator, 703-527-3010 x735, or visit http://www.arlingtonredcross.org.
Soroptimist International of Arlington started a community-wide campaign to collect used, unwanted cell phones. Proceeds from the collection efforts will be applied to the Women’s Opportunity Award and the Violet Richardson Award, as well as to fund various advocacy and educational programs throughout the community. Contact Sharon Williams, 703-203-3691 or e-mail swilliams@siarlington.org on where to find the drop offs.
Volunteer movers are needed to assist families in the HomeStart (transitional housing) program. The families that Doorways serves often in need of assistance moving into their new homes or picking up and delivering donated furniture items. Looking for volunteers who have access to trucks and/or could lend a hand in assisting families transitioning out of homelessness. Movers would help families moving in or out of Doorways HomeStart Program (formerly the transitional housing program) on an as-needed basis. All volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and able to lift small and/or large pieces of furniture. Contact Candice Lopez, Community Resources Manager, 703-522-8858 x13 or visit http://www.doorwaysva.org
Capital Hospice, is looking for daytime volunteers with diverse backgrounds who want to aid their community through Patient/Family Care, Translating Languages (especially Spanish, Korean and Vietnamese) and more. Call Capital Hospice at 703-538-2065 and ask to speak with a Volunteer Services Coordinator or visit www.capitalhospice.org. Eighteen hours of training, provided. Patient Care volunteers must take a TB skin test and complete a criminal background check, provided at no cost.
The "Live And Let Live" Alanon Family Group (www.alanonva.com/) provides a safe and dependable space where GLBT people gather to disciss the 12 Steps and Traditions of Al-Anon Every Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Unitarian Church, 4444 Arlington Blvd. Arlington.
Starting now, those who live, work in and visit Arlington County can register for Arlington Alert by texting "1776" to 411911. Arlington County uses Arlington Alert, to contact citizens when an emergency occurs via cell phone, e-mail, pager, BlackBerry, wireless PDA and XM Satellite Radio. In addition to enrollment via text message, Arlington Alert is available on the internet at www.arlingtonalert.com.
Volunteer Nurses are needed to work in the Communicable Diseases Clinic of the Arlington County Department of Human Services. Nurses must have Virginia license, current CPR card, and liability insurance. Orientation and training will be provided. Volunteers must be able to work two clinics (Thursdays) per month. Contact Tracey Hess at 703-228-5664. Located at 800 S. Walter Reed Drive.
Arlington’s Youth Team is for young volunteers ages 12 - 18 and provides a way for young people to volunteer for the Red Cross in a fun, social setting, while providing necessary services to the Arlington community. During the school year, the Youth Team has meetings once every other week in the evening, along with weekend and evening projects. During the summer, the Youth Team is much more active, with volunteer projects occurring 3-4 times per week during the day. All volunteers (youth and adult) must first attend a New Volunteer Orientation. Orientations are held approximately twice per month. You can find specific dates on www.arlingtonredcross.org. Volunteers age 18 and older must complete a background check. Contact Heather Pritchett, Volunteer Services Coordinator, 703-527-3010 x735.
Library Volunteer. Help make the Central Library's, 1015 N. Quincy St., programs go more smoothly by ushering, handing out programs, preparing children's crafts ahead of time, and then helping children complete their projects during the program. We need reliable, dependable, friendly people. Experience working with children is a plus. Contact Barbara Dean, Volunteer Coordinator, 703-228-7688.
The Greater Chesapeake and Potomac Blood Services Region of the American Red Cross is seeking volunteers to assist its blood collections staff at blood drives and blood donor centers. Volunteers will assist with providing a high level of customer service to donors, and with caring for donors in the refreshment area after the donation process. This position is offered to people who are 14 years of age or older. Training is scheduled at volunteer’s convenience at Red Cross offices in Arlington. To register for training, call the American Red Cross Volunteer Office at 1-800-272-0094, ext 1, or e-mail karlofft@usa.redcross.org.