Email announcements to arlington@connectionnewspapers.com. Deadline is noon the Thursday before publication. Photos are welcome.
Every Friday in April
5k Fridays Race Series. 6:30 p.m. in Crystal City. Organized by Pacers Running Store, runners can enjoy a professionally timed and certified course. $20/race or $60/series. Visit http://runpacers.com/race/crystal-run-5k-fridays/ to register.
Friday/April 12
Free Lecture. 11 a.m.-noon at 601 S. Carlin Springs Road. Refresh your driving skills and find information about how to get around safely from Lincoln Cummings, AARP DSP instructor. RSVP at 703-558-6859.
Grand Reopening Ceremony. 8:30 a.m. at Giant Food, 3450 Washington Blvd. Complete a tasting passport over the next few weeks for a chance to win free groceries.
Sunday/April 14
Meditation and Buddhism Introductory Class. 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Vajrayogini Buddhist Center, Randolph Towers, 4001 N. 9th St., Suite 105. Teachings, guided meditation and Q&A. $10. Visit www.meditation-dc.org or 202-986-2257.
Diversity Discussion. 3 p.m. at Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St. Hear County Board Chairman J. Walter Tejada, Arlington Public Schools Board Chairwoman Emma Violand-Sanchez, County diversity specialist Dulce Carrillo, Takis Karantonis of the Columbia Pike Revitalization Organization and photographer Lloyd Wolf, who helped create Arlington’s acclaimed Columbia Pike Documentary Project, discuss the county’s diversity, with a particular focus on the Columbia Pike area. Free.
Tuesday/April 16
Health Screening. The Carlin will host the screening at 4300 N. Carlin Springs Road. Packages start at $159. To schedule an appointment, www.lifelinescreening.com or 1-800-697-9721.
Thursday/April 18
Fundraiser. 6:30-8:30 p.m. at China Garden Restaurant, 1100 Wilson Blvd. $50/person or $95/couple includes a special 11 dish menu served family style. Proceeds benefit the Arlington Rotary scholarship program. RSVP to Joe Lott at joe@lottfamily.com or 703-625-6638.
Through April 19
Deadline. The Ballston LaunchPad Challenge is now accepting applications from innovators, entrepreneurs, and other creative thinkers who want to pitch their big idea to a panel of business and thought leaders from the region, including famed venture-capitalist Ted Leonsis, Founder, Chairman and Majority Owner, Monumental Sports & Entertainment. Visit www.ballstonlaunchpad.com for applications and more.
Saturday/April 20
Spring E-Care Event. 8:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, 125 S. Old Glebe Road. Get rid of hazardous materials such as paint, solvents, garden chemicals and more. Open to Arlington residents and employees only.
Saturdays/April 20, 27
Basic Literacy Tutor Training Workshop. 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. at James Lee Community Center, 2855 Annandale Road, Falls Church. Become a volunteer tutor to adults who want to improve literacy skills. $50/books, materials and other training items Must attend both sessions. Visit www.lcnv.org or 703-237-0866.
Sunday/April 21
Meditation and Buddhism Introductory Class. 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Vajrayogini Buddhist Center, Randolph Towers, 4001 N. 9th St., Suite 105. Teachings, guided meditation and Q&A. $10. Visit www.meditation-dc.org or 202-986-2257.
Thursday/April 25
Memory Screening Day. 9 a.m.-noon at Langston-Brown Senior Center. Get a confidential screening to detect any memory problems and get information about successful aging. Schedule an appointment or get information at 703-237-9048.
Sunday/April 28
Workshop. 4:15 p.m. at Shirlington Library. Get introduced to Ayurveda through meditation and yoga. Free. All ages welcome.
Saturday/May 4
Gala. 7 p.m.-midnight at Sheraton Pentagon City Hotel. The Northern Virginia Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. is honoring people in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics field, along with the scholarship recipients from local schools. Enjoy a silent auction, dinner, dancing and more. $165/person. Visit www.nvdecs.org for tickets.
Sunday/May 5
Meditation and Buddhism Introductory Class. 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Vajrayogini Buddhist Center, Randolph Towers, 4001 N. 9th St., Suite 105. Teachings, guided meditation and Q&A. $10. Visit www.meditation-dc.org or 202-986-2257.
Deadline May 10
Leadership Arlington Youth Program. Leadership Arlington is seeking promising rising juniors and seniors from area high schools to apply online at www.leadershiparlington.org/programs/apply/youth-programapply. The Leadership Arlington Youth Program is designed to enhance leadership skills and awareness of the need for philanthropy, community service and civic participation. Participants are not required to live in Arlington County, and students from all jurisdictions may apply.
Saturday/May 11
Neighborhood Day. Neighborhoods from Bluemont to Dominion Hill will connect residents at events throughout the county. Visit www.arlington.va.us for ideas or list of events.
Sunday/May 12
Meditation and Buddhism Introductory Class. 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Vajrayogini Buddhist Center, Randolph Towers, 4001 N. 9th St., Suite 105. Teachings, guided meditation and Q&A. $10. Visit www.meditation-dc.org or 202-986-2257.
Saturday/May 18
Turtle Trot 5k. Check-in at 9 a.m. and the race starts at 10 a.m. at Lower Bluemont park, 329 N. Manchester St. $30/adult; $15/child. Proceeds benefit the turtle rescue and other at-risk wildlife brought into Long Branch Nature Center. Visit www.active.com to register.
Sunday/May 19
Meditation and Buddhism Introductory Class. 12:30-1:30 p.m. at Vajrayogini Buddhist Center, Randolph Towers, 4001 N. 9th St., Suite 105. Teachings, guided meditation and Q&A. $10. Visit www.meditation-dc.org or 202-986-2257.
Thursday/May 23
Spring Carnival. 6:30-9:30 p.m. at Washington Golf and Country Club. Arlington Food Assistance Center is hosting boardwalk performers, carnival treats and entertainment. Visit www.afac.org for more.
Looking for a Practice Space
Since 1993, Guiding Eyes for the Blind’s Dominion Puppy Raising Region has raised 470 puppies to become guide dogs for blind and visually impaired men and women around the world. For years the volunteer raisers from across Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax County, and McLean have gathered on Sunday afternoons at a local church for their weekly puppy raising class. As of Feb. 15, however, the group will be without a home.
The Dominion region volunteers, currently made up of 18 raiser/pup teams, are each given an 8-week-old Guiding Eyes pup to love, nurture, and educate for 12 to 16 months before they return a well-socialized young adult dog for formal guide dog training. Weekly puppy raising classes are run by Guiding Eyes’ Regional Manager to support raisers and their pups.
The raisers are in need of a large room without carpeting, preferably close to an outside exit and on the main floor. The location should be equipped with chairs, tables, bathrooms, outdoor waste receptacles and some parking. During class, pups and handlers work together mostly with a leash, but some off-leash work and pup play is also incorporated. An available staircase for pups and handlers to use would be beneficial, but isn’t a necessity.
Those interested in donating space are encouraged to contact Carrie Barnett at 410-960-7427 or via e-mail at cbarnett@guidingeyes.org. For more information on the Guiding Eyes for the Blind Puppy Raising Program, visit http://www.guidingeyes.org/volunteer/puppy-raising/. Meet the Dominion raisers online at http://www.gebdominion.org/.
Ongoing
The Arlington Food Assistance Center is asking local gardeners to grow seedlings to help Arlington families in need. AFAC’s Plot Against Hunger program collects fresh produce for AFAC clients, and will provide free seeds to gardeners who are willing to donate all or a portion of the seedlings and vegetables they grow. Some of the donated seedlings will be distributed to AFAC clients who can grow food for themselves, and the rest will be planted in Plot Against Hunger gardens around the county, producing food for AFAC clients. All donated vegetables go directly to AFAC clients. To obtain free seeds for an individual or community “Plot Against Hunger” garden, or to help in other ways, call Puwen Lee at 703-845-8486, or send an email to plotagainsthunger@afac.org.
From April 1 to May 5, the Rosslyn BID will conduct a confidential web survey about experience with life in Rosslyn, and ask for opinions about what needs to improve. The survey takes about five minutes to complete. Once the survey is completed, responders will be eligible to enter the Rosslyn Survey Contest offering a variety of great prizes, including a one-night stay for two adults at the Hyatt Arlington and dinner at Cityhouse; an Apple® iPad mini; a one-night stay for two adults at Le Méridien and more. Access the survey at rosslynva.org.
On April 6, the U.S. Navy will commission the USS Arlington, one of three ships named in recognition of the tragic events of Sept. 11, 2001. The ship honors the memories of those killed or injured in the terrorist attack on the Pentagon that day, and recognizes the heroism of Arlington's public safety personnel — the men and women who raced to the assistance of the victims of the attack.
The ship's on-board Tribute Room, which features steel girders from the Pentagon, will tell Arlington's story as it sails around the world for the next 50 years. Arlington residents will be able to tour the ship whenever it is in its homeport in Norfolk, Va.
The community is encouraged to support the ship's Tribute Room by purchasing items from its online store (ussarlington.com), including T-shirts, lapel pins, a commissioning coin and door decals. All proceeds go to the USS Arlington Fund. For more information, contact Kevin Reardon at 703-228-4091 or kreardon@arlingtonva.us.
The Northern Virginia Regional Park Authority announces that cyclists and pedestrians will now have access to the W&OD Trail beyond normal daylight hours. The new W&OD Trail hours are from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m., from Shirlington in Arlington County, all the way to the western town limit of Herndon in Fairfax County.
The Arlington Senior Golf Club, sponsored by the Office of Senior Adult Programs, is looking to expand its membership roster of players. ASGC is open to Arlington residents, men and women, 55 years of age and older. All skill levels are welcome. ASGC members play on Tuesdays and Thursdays at more than 20 courses in Northern Virginia with reasonable green fees between April and October. Tee times are available from 7:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. Contact President John Mashaw at 703-892-3793, johnmashaw@comcast.net_ or Membership Chairman Terry Townshend at 703-971-3124.
Have an unused instrument? Help another family build new musical memories. All previously donated instruments have been “placed.” Pending are requests for clarinet(s), violin(s) and musical recorders to begin a musical presence in an orphanage in Haiti. The Opera Guild Northern Virginia has tax exempt status for donations. Contact: Miriam Miller, OperaNOVA 703-536-7557; mcdm1@verizon.net; www.operaguildnova.org.
Alzheimer’s Association Support Group has meetings on the third Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. at Carlin Springs Health Pavilion, 601 S. Carlin Springs Road and also the first and third Thursday at 10 a.m. at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, 4000 Lorcom Lane. They are open to people with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers, family members and friends. Free. Call the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 703-359-4440 or 800-272-3900 before attending a group for the first time to verify meeting information, obtain directions or other information about the group. A complete list of all groups in the National Capital Area region can be viewed at www.alz.org/nca.
PFLAG of Arlington. Second Sunday at 3 p.m. PFLAG promotes the equality and well-being of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered persons and their families. Meets on the second Sunday of each month, at the Unitarian Universalist Church at George Mason Drive and Route 50. Contact aly.pflagdc@gmail.com.
Free Mall Walking Program for Seniors. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. Walk at your own pace in a safe and friendly environment. Group stretch and cool down led by hospital staff. Call 703-558-6859. Ballston Common Mall (Food Court Level), 4238 Wilson Blvd.
Strength & Stretch For Seniors. Mondays and Thursdays at 1 p.m. Improve range of motion, strength & bone health. All abilities welcome. $42. Mondays at Virginia Hospital Center, 1701 N. George Mason Dr. Thursdays at Health Pavilion, 601 S. Carlin Springs Road.
Gentle Pilates. Saturdays at 9 and 11:35 a.m. A non-traditional mat Pilates class with modifications to suit all abilities. Learn proper form, strengthen core muscles and improve posture. $78. Virginia Hospital Center, 1701 N. George Mason Dr.
Gentle Yoga. Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. Restore flexibility, strength and ease tension. All levels welcome. $66. Health Pavilion, 601 S. Carlin Springs Road. Call 703-558-6859.
Tai Chi. Thursdays at 6: 15-7:15 p.m. Combine slow, flowing movements of Tai Chi and Qi Gong postures to foster a healthy, balanced mind and body. $80. 601 S. Carlin Springs Road. Call 703-558-6859.
Yoga for Everybody. Wednesdays at 6:30 p.m. This traditional approach to yoga reduces stress and increases strength and flexibility. $66. Health Pavilion, 601 S. Carlin Springs Road. Call 703-558-6859.
Job Seekers' Support Group Meeting. Second and fourth Sundays, through Dec. 9 at 12:15 p.m. Arlington Temple United Methodist Church located at 1835 N. Nash St. is hosting Job Seeker and Career Enrichment Group meetings. The group is open to job seekers and those who are employed and wondering "what's next." Sessions are composed of readings, exercises and discussions to assist and hold members accountable for their own enrichment. Sign-up is required for participation. Contact atumcoffice@verizon.net, 703-525-6075 or www.Meetup.com/jobseeker.
Adaptive/Seated Yoga. Tuesdays at 11:15 a.m. For older or physically challenged adults with limited mobility, chronic pain or neuropathy. Adaptive yoga emphasizes breathing, gentle stretching and going at your own pace. $66 Health Pavilion, 601 S. Carlin Springs Road. Call 703-558-6859.
Call for Nominations. The County Department of Parks and Recreation is accepting applications for the Bill Thomas Outstanding Park Service Volunteers Award, now in its 8th year. Submissions will be accepted through 5 p.m. on Feb. 15. Nominations are judged on the basis of the nominee's direct involvement with an activity or contribution. Award criteria includes: 1) a contribution is the giving of personal time, expertise, a tangible gift or financial donation; 2) the activity or contribution upon which the nomination is based must have been completed prior to the year of selection and 3) the award may be for a specific accomplishment or for an accumulation of accomplishments over an extended period of time. To complete a nomination form, visit www.arlingtonva.us/dpr.
Lifeline Personal Alert System. Virginia Hospital Center Senior Health staff locally manage the personal emergency response system. Help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Monthly cost starts at $42. Call 703-558-6859 for more information.
Donations Needed. Our Lady Queen of Peace is seeking to replenish its food pantry. Particularly needed are rice (large bags appreciated, the pantry will rebag), dry beans, canned vegetables, soup, small jars of peanut butter, small jars of jelly, pasta and pasta sauce. 2700 South 19th St. Visitwww.ourladyqueenofpeace.org.
Instruments Wanted. Instruments of any type or size — from a piano to a piccolo, for an orphanage in Haiti. Contact Miriam Miller, Opera Guild of Northern Virginia for pick up. 703-536-7557; mcdm1@verizon.net;www.operaguildnova.org.
Vounteers Needed
AHC Inc. is looking for volunteers to help middle- and high-school students with homework, and to be role models and mentors. Volunteers are needed once a week for about an hour and a half, from 6 -7:30 p.m. or 6:30-8 p.m. at six different AHC community centers. Visit AHC's Teen Tutoring Program or call Mary Zambrano at 703-486-0626 ext. 140.
Arlington Meals on Wheels needs volunteers to deliver meals to homebound Mondays to Fridays, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call 703-522-0811 or mowvolunteers@yahoo.com.
Volunteers Needed. Arlingtonians Meeting Emergency Needs (AMEN Inc.) seeks volunteers who will take social workers’ calls from home 1-5 p.m., one or two weekday afternoons per month. Approve requests for emergency financial assistance for their clients. Must have some computer skills to record requests on AMEN’s laptop computer. Training and ongoing consultation provided. Contact 703-558-0035 or amen@emergencyneeds.org. Visit www.emergencyneeds.org.
Arlington Commission on Long-Term Care Residences. Commission members are appointed by the County Board and must live or work in Arlington. For more information or an application, contact www.arlingtonva.us/aging or Carolyn Ferguson at 703-228-1700, TTY 703-228-1788, or Arlaaa@arlingtonva.us.
The TreeStewards of Arlington and Alexandria are volunteers dedicated to improving the health of our urban trees through educational programs, tree planting and care, demonstrations and tree maintenance throughout the community. Applications now being accepted for the 2013 Class of TreeStewards. New volunteer training will be held on Wednesday evenings, starting Feb. 13 through April, with some Saturday mornings. Fun and interactive training is provided by recognized experts in tree care and citizen advocates. Visit www.TreeStewards.org or call 703-527-2349.
Northern Virginia Family Service seeks volunteers to serve as mentors to low-income seniors, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Volunteers will work one-on-one with seniors to help them plan and maintain monthly budgets, enroll in appropriate benefit programs and provide friendly support to lift the spirits of aging clients, among other duties. The position is located at Culpepper Gardens, 4435 North Pershing Dr. To sign up, please contact Navara Cannon at volunteer@nvfs.org or call 571-748-2536.