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.
Ongoing
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.
Fairfax County Department of Community and Recreation Services present free dance workshops at Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road, from 3:30-5 p.m. on April 10,24 and May 8. To register, 703-324-4386.
Beginning Feb. 25, the T.C. Williams High School Planetarium will welcome the Alexandria community one night each month during the school year for a free hour-long show. Doors will open at 7 p.m. for “A Night With the Stars,” which will run from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Advance registration, required, may be completed online at http://www.acps.k12.va.us/tcw/planetarium/ or by calling the planetarium at 703-824-6805, extension 6300.
Mount Vernon will bring back its popular National Treasure Tour through Oct. 31. Included in this approximately hour-long walking tour is the Mansion's basement and cornerstone, the setting for a pivotal scene in the movie. This daily tour is limited to 25 visitors per time slot, takes place at 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., and costs $5 per tour in addition to Estate admission: $15 adults; $14 seniors; $7 children (6-11); free for children 5 & under. Advance tickets are available online at MountVernon.org.
Children enter a world of fantasy and fables when costumed interpreters weave three tales together during Mount Vernon’s storytelling session, “Once Upon a Time at Mount Vernon,” held every Saturday and Sunday at 11 and 11:30 a.m. Beginning April 11, storytelling sessions will move from the Hands-On History Room in the Donald W. Reynolds Education Center to the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer site. The storytelling program is recommended for children ages three to eight. Parental supervision is required. “Once Upon at Time at Mount Vernon” is included in regular Estate admission: adults, $15; youth ages 6-11, $7; and children under 5 are admitted free.
Spectacular gardens are in bloom as Mount Vernon hosts its annual outdoor garden and gift sale beginning April 11 through May 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This annual sale includes ornamentals, perennials and annuals, garden items, books, and heirloom plants propagated from historic cuttings. No admission is required to shop in the Gardening Days tent (located in front of the Mount Vernon Inn Complex). Visit.MountVernon.org or 703-780-2000.
Friday/April 10
Sing Along with Mr. Skip. 12:30 p.m. at Spill the Beans Coffee House, 1900 Elkin St., Suite 4. Enjoy singing and dancing with Mr. Skip. $5 per child. No pre-registration required. More info at spillthebeansva.com.
Lunch Bunch. Noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Children up to age 5 can bring lunch and enjoy stories. Free. Registration required, 703-971-0010.
Saturday/April 11
Flower Power Workshop. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. Catherine Hillis will show how to paint vibrant flowers in watercolors. To register, 703-584-2900.
Yuri’s Night. 8 p.m. at The Warehouse Arts Complex, 1021 7th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. Enjoy music, dancing and more by local bands. $20/advance; $25/door. Visit www.outofthisworldparty.com for more.
Book Sale. 10 a.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. All ages can find books. Free. 703-339-4610.
All Alexandria Reads. 11 a.m. at Beatley library, 5005 Duke St. Children ages 6-11 can enjoy nutrition fun. Free. Visit www.alexandria.lib.va.us for more.
Family Garden. 2 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Take the garden home. $15 includes all supplies. For reservation, 703-642-5173.
Sunday/April 12
Flower Power Workshop. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. at Workhouse Arts Center in Lorton. Catherine Hillis will show how to paint vibrant flowers in watercolors. To register, 703-584-2900.
Easter Egg Hunt. 10:30 a.m. or 1 p.m. at Lee-Fendall House, 614 Oronoco St. $5/child. See the Easter bunny as well. 703-548-1789 for reservations.
Easter Egg Hunt for History. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 N. Royal St. Take a tour and find the Tavernkeeper’s eggs while learning about the museum. $5/adult; $3/child. Reservations required, 703-838-4242.
Monday/April 13
Tavern Toddlers. 10:30 a.m.-noon at Gadsby’s Tavern, 134 N. Royal St. Toddlers up to 36 months can enjoy games and more. $7/group of three, one adult and 2 children; $3/additional person. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838-4242.
Yoga for Gardeners. 9:30 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Features the Vinyasa method. $66/six-class session. To register, 703-642-5173.
Giggles and Wiggles. 10:30 a.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Children ages 24-35 can enjoy stories. Free. Registration required, 703-339-4610.
Book Discussion. 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Call for title. Free. 703-768-6700.
Early Reader Discussion. 3:30 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Children ages 6-8 can enjoy activities. Call for title. Free. Registration required, 703-971-0010.
Books & Ideas. 7:30 p.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Discuss “The Story of Edgar Sawtelle” by David Wroblewski. Free. Registration required, 703-768-6700.
Tuesday/April 14
Read-Along. 10:30 a.m. at Spill the Beans Coffee House, 1900 Elkin St., Suite 4. Bring the children to Spill the Beans for some read along fun with StagePlay's own Heather Sanderson. Free. Visit spillthebeansva.com or 703-780-3561.
April Showers. 10:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Children 2-3 years enjoy stories and activities. Free. Registration required, 703-971-0010.
Evening Book Discussion. 7 p.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Call for title. Free. 703-768-6700.
Coffee and Connections. 9:30 a.m. at Busboys and Poets in Shirlington. $20/day of. Offered by Alexandria-based Enterprising Moms. Visit events.theenterprisingmoms.com for more.
Wednesday/April 15
StoryTime with Colleen! 10:30 a.m. at Spill the Beans Coffee House, 1900 Elkin St., Suite 4. Free. Visit spillthebeansva.com or 703-780-3561.
Book Discussion. 7:15 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Adults call for title. Free. 703-971-0010.
Thursday/April 16
Poetry Discussion. 7 p.m. at Hollin Hall Senior Center, 1500 Shenandoah Road. Free. 703-768-6700.
Butterfly Gardening. Learn how to maintain a productive garden at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Free. Call for time, 703-642-5173.
Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Old Town, 228 S. Pitt St. Hear the choir of St. Chad’s College of Durham University. Free. Donations accepted.
Friday/April 17
Spring Plant Sale. 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at River Farm. Browse plants, herbs, vegetables, supplies and more. $3/nonmember to park. Free admission. Visit www.ahs.org/river_farm or 703-768-5700 ext. 114.
Sing Along with Mr. Skip. 12:30 p.m. at Spill the Beans Coffee House, 1900 Elkin St., Suite 4. Enjoy singing and dancing with Mr. Skip. $5 per child. No pre-registration required. More info at spillthebeansva.com.
U is for Umbrella. 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Hall Lane, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Children 4-5. Free. Registration required, 703-765-3645.
Lunch Bunch. Noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Children up to age 5 can bring lunch and enjoy stories. Free. Registration required, 703-971-0010.
Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1301 Collingwood Road. Hear the American Boychoir. Free. Visit www.aldersgate.net or 703-765-6555.
Hike. 7:30 p.m. at Huntley Meadows Park, 3701 Lockheed Blvd. Teens can take a night hike and search for bats, beavers and more. Bring a flashlight. $4/person. Reservations required, 703-768-2525.
Saturday/April 18
Art Exhibit. Noon-5 p.m. The Kingstowne Area Artists Association, and other area artists who wish to exhibit, will have a show and sale of their work at the Snyder Center, 6450 S. Van Dorn St. Free. Visit www.kingstowne.org for more.
Old Town Alexandria Homes Tour. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. around Old Town. Browse flower arrangements and more. $35/advance; $40/day of event. Visit www.VAGardentweek.org or 703-838-5005.
Spring Plant Sale. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at River Farm. Browse plants, herbs, vegetables, supplies and more. $3/nonmember to park. Free admission. Visit www.ahs.org/river_farm or 703-768-5700 ext. 114.
Yard Sale. 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at Alexandria Black History Museum, 902 Wythe St. Browse jewelry, pottery, cds, electronics and more. Free. Visit www.alexblackhistory.org.
Fill the Fords with Food. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at Bushido Studios, corner of Hayfield Road and Telegraph Road. Proceeds benefit Our Daily Bread. Visit www.our-daily-bread.org or 703-273-8829.
Music Performance. 7 p.m. at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 228 S. Pitt St. Hear the Ars Choralis. Reception follows. Fundraiser. 202-267-7772.
Art Show. Noon-5 p.m. at Snyder Center, 6450 S. Van Dorn St. Browse works by Kingstowne Area Artists Association. Free. Visit www.kingstowne.org for more.
Magic Show. 6:30 p.m. at Bishop Ireton High School. Enjoy strolling magic until the show starts at 7:30 p.m. $15/person. 703-698-6952.
Harambee Readers. 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Discuss “Life on the Color Line” by Gregory Howard Williams. Free. 703-765-3645.
Gardening With Children. 2 p.m. at Burke Library, 4701 Seminary Road. Children 6-11 can learn how to garden. Register at 703-228-6414.
Growing Wildflowers. 10 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Learn how to grow spring wildflowers like bluebells and trout lilies. $12/person. Register, 703-642-5173.
Garden Market. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Browse local vendors and browse plants, herbs and more. Free. 703-642-5173.
Healthy Kids Day. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at YMCA Alexandria, 420 E. Monroe Ave. Enjoy browsing the interactive video gym, family swim, healthy food and more. Free.
Pancake Breakfast. Enjoy all you can eat from 8:30-11:30 a.m. at Lincolnia United Methodist Church, 6535 Little River Turnpike. $5/adult; child free. 703-333-6005.
Sunday/April 19
Music Performance. 7 p.m. at Church of the Resurrection, 2280 N. Beauregard St. Hear Buskin & Batteau with Dulcie Taylor. $15/adult; $12/member or advance. Visit www.focusmusic.org or 703-501-6061.
Music Performance. 2 p.m. at Schlesinger Concert Hall, 3001 N. Beauregard St. Hear the Marine Chamber Orchestra. Free. Visit www.schlesingercenter.com for more.
Card Collage. Noon-4 p.m. at Colasanto Center, 2704 Mount Vernon Ave. Bring snacks, beverages and supplies to share. Free, but first come, first serve. Visit www.thedelrayartisans.org or 703-283-0399.
Music Performance. 4 p.m. at Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Hear Doug Bowles, Cindy Hutchins and Alex Hassan perform. Free, donations accepted. 703-549-1421.
Opening Reception. 2-5 p.m., see a photography exhibit by Grace Taylor and Clifford Wheeler from April 7 through May 31 at Multiple Exposures Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Visit www.torpedofactory.org or 703-683-2205.
Bridge Club. 4 p.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Adults and teens can learn how to play. Free. 703-765-3645.
Lecture. 3:30 p.m. at Gunston Hall Plantation, 10709 Gunston Road, Mason Neck. Learn about the early days of the plantation. $9/adult; $8/senior; $5/child. Visit www.gunstonhall.org for more.
Volunteer Open House. 1-5 p.m. at Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary, 105-107 S. Fairfax St. Learn about how to become a volunteer. Free. Visit www.apothecarymuseum.org or 703-838-3852.
Doug Bowles Plays Cabaret. 4 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 S. Washington St. Free, donations accepted.
Monday/April 20
Tavern Toddlers. 10:30 a.m.-noon at Gadsby’s Tavern, 134 N. Royal St. Toddlers up to 36 months can enjoy games and more. $7/group of three, one adult and 2 children; $3/additional person. Visit www.gadsbystavern.org or 703-838-4242.
Yoga for Gardeners. 9:30 a.m. at Green Spring Gardens, 4603 Green Spring Road. Features the Vinyasa method. $66/six-class session. To register, 703-642-5173.
Stretch Your Mind. 2 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Children ages 6-12 can enjoy brain teasers, puzzles and more. Free. 703-339-4610.
Compost Critters. 3:30 p.m. at Duncan Branch, 2501 Commonwealth Ave. Children in grades 2-5 can join Miss Peggy in learning how bugs aid in composting. Free. Register at 703-838-4566 ext. 11.
Music Performance. 7:30 p.m. at the Birchmere. Hear Halau Ho’omau I ka Wai Ola O Hawai’I perform with Kola & Moana Beamer and Raiatea Helm. Visit www.birchmere.com for more.
Tuesday/April 21
Read-Along. 10:30 a.m. at Spill the Beans Coffee House, 1900 Elkin St., Suite 4. Bring the children to Spill the Beans for some read along fun with StagePlay's own Heather Sanderson. Free. Visit spillthebeansva.com or 703-780-3561.
Down Came the Rain. 10:30 a.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Children ages 13-23 months enjoy raindrop stories and more. Free. Registration required, 703-339-4610.
Mother-Daughter book Group. 7 p.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Children ages 9-11. Call for title. Registration required, 703-971-0010.
Evening Book Discussion. 7:30 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Discuss “Dreams from my Father” by Barack Obama. Free. 703-339-4610.
Wednesday/April 22
Alexandria History Awards. 7:30 p.m. at the Lyceum, 201 South Washington St. Also, the 2009 Alexandria High School History Awards will be presented by state Sen. Patsy Ticer to an outstanding student from each of Alexandria’s four high schools. A reception will follow. Free. Visit www.alexandriahistorical.org or 703-683-2636.
StoryTime with Colleen! 10:30 a.m. at Spill the Beans Coffee House, 1900 Elkin St., Suite 4. Free. Visit spillthebeansva.com or 703-780-3561.
Small Wonders. 10:30 a.m. at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Children ages 13-23 monthes enjoy fingerplays, stories and more. Free. Registration required, 703-971-0010.
Earth Day Birthday. 10:30 a.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Children ages 2-5 enjoy stories and activities. Free. Registration required, 703-765-3645.
Meet the Author. 2 p.m. at Sherwood Library, 2501 Sherwood Hall Lane. Ruth Baja Willliams discusses her memoir “Detour Berlin.” Free. 703-765-3645.
Older Adults Book Group. 2 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Discuss “Presidential Courage: Brave Leaders” by Michael Beschloss. Free. 703-339-4610.
Writer’s Review. 7 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Free. Bring works to get feedback. 703-339-4610.
Dance Invasion. 7 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. Jane Franklin Dance performs. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for information.
Thursday/April 23
Preschool Storytime. 1 p.m. at Kingstowne Library, 6500 Landsdowne Centre. Children 3-5 can enjoy stories, songs and more. Free. Registration required, 703-339-4610.
Dance Invasion. 7:30 p.m. at the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St. BosmaDance performs. Free. Visit www.torpedofactory.org for information.
Friday/April 24
Golf Benefit. 1 p.m. at Fort Belvoir. $100/person includes golf, cart, dinner and more. E-mail mvhs2010golf@live.com. Proceeds benefit MV Grad Party.
Sing Along with Mr. Skip. 12:30 p.m. at Spill the Beans Coffee House, 1900 Elkin St., Suite 4. Enjoy singing and dancing with Mr. Skip. $5 per child. No pre-registration required. More info at spillthebeansva.com.
Lunch Bunch. Noon at John Marshall Library, 6209 Rose Hill Drive. Children up to age 5 can bring lunch and enjoy stories. Free. Registration required, 703-971-0010.
Golf Scramble. 1 p.m. at Fort Belvoir Gunston Golf Course. Benefits Mt. Vernon High School All Night Grad Party. All levels welcome. $100/person. Visit www.fcps.edu/MtVernonHS for more.