The Torpedo Factory Art Center is a highlight of Alexandria's Potomac River waterfront, attracting more than a half million visitors annually to 82 artists' studios, six galleries, two workshops, Alexandria Archaeology Museum, The Art League, and to public programs and special events.

I just wanted to remind folks that you can make charitable contributions without spending a single extra dime, and help out Cora Kelly Elementary kids all at the same time.  

Please mark your calendar and register for the next Senior Services of Alexandria speaker series event, Staying Connected: Employment and Volunteer Opportunities for Alexandria’s Seniors. This free event is being held on Wednesday, January 16, 2013, from 9:30 a.m. – noon at the Charles Beatley Central Library at 5005 Duke Street.

What Is Literacy Council of Northern Virginia?

All of the Literacy Council of Northern Virginia’s programs are geared to help adults who read below the sixth grade level. Through one-on-one and classroom instruction, LCNV-trained volunteers and paid instructors teach a personalized curriculum that helps adults improve their employment opportunities, become citizens, acquire consumer skills, and increase their involvement in their children’s education. 
 

What Is the Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria?

The Concerned Citizens Network of Alexandria has an extensive vision to create “A model community where all stakeholders contribute to student education and to the opportunity for every student to realize their individual potential.” To one day reach this vision, the CCNA works to reduce dropout rates, increase student achievement levels, change impact from a “risk” to a “promise”, develop partnerships among all communities and increase the number of students transitioning from high school into higher education or career paths in the Alexandria City Public Schools. These efforts are in part with other nonprofit organizations, local government and businesses, faith based organization and educators.

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria works with citizens to humanely address population growth of free-roaming cats.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) has received a grant from PetSmart Charities to fund Alexandria’s first trap-neuter-return (TNR) program to help feral cats in the city. The TNR program enlists the help of concerned citizens and feral cat caretakers to humanely reduce the sizes of feral cat colonies.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) has received a grant from PetSmart Charities to fund Alexandria’s first trap-neuter-return (TNR) program to help feral cats in the city. The TNR program enlists the help of concerned citizens and feral cat caretakers to humanely reduce the sizes of feral cat colonies.

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) has received a grant from PetSmart Charities to fund Alexandria’s first trap-neuter-return (TNR) program to help feral cats in the city. The TNR program enlists the help of concerned citizens and feral cat caretakers to humanely reduce the sizes of feral cat colonies.

Please join us on Tuesday for a chance to meet and hear from the candidates!

This event sponsored by the ACPS PTA Council. Be sure to cast your vote on November 6!

*Here are the candidates:*

District A

The College of William & Mary, Tuskegee University, University of Virginia and Yale University comprise just a sampling of the many institutions that will be on hand at the annual T.C. Williams High School College Fair from 7 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 23, in the gymnasiums at the school's main campus. Military representatives also will available.

The answer: 45 or the entire 5th grade class at Charles Barrett Elementary School. But we're not talking about a literal light bulb - we're talking about creativity and imagination. With the help of Spring2ACTion, turn it on they did in Lightbulb - Illuminating Thoughts to Light Up Our World, a chapbook of poems by the class. 

TWU runs projects and campaigns in the following areas:  Education: Alexandria students and parents fighting to close the achievement gap for students of color in Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) and to ensure that all students graduate prepared to go to college.

Our own Tracy Viselli just came back from the Code for America Summit in San Francisco this week and brought back news of some cool apps that we could use in Alexandria. What are some of your ideas for using these apps or other apps you've seen to improve civic engagement in the city?

ACTion Alexandria is proud to announce we're cosponsoring an Alexandria mayoral and City Council Candidate Forum Sponsored with the Alexandria Branch of the NAACP and Patch on Monday, October 15, 2012 at George Washington Middle School’s auditorium from 7:00 P.M. until 9:00 P.M.

Even better than sponsoring a candidate forum, we're giving you an opportunity to be a substantial part of it.

What’s the best way to help Alexandria’s homeless animals? Obviously, adoption is the best and most immediate solution for the current residents of the Vola Lawson Animal Shelter, but what about the next generation of unwanted and abandoned animals? And if you’re like most of the staff and volunteers at the shelter, or most of Alexandria for that matter, what do you do if you already have a home full of animals?

In this week's edition, we gather thoughts on how schools should teach the history of 9/11 and ask you to engage!

One night a month during the school year, families and community members are invited to an hour-long presentation at the T.C. Williams Planetarium. In addition to the salute to manned space exploration, the event will feature a highly interactive and kid-friendly activity and a “Walk Across the September Sky”.

The Georgetown Public Policy Institute (GPPI) has announced its inaugural LEAD Conference (Leadership, Evidence, Analysis, Debate), which will promote effective solutions to problems facing the nation’s most vulnerable young people.

Who: Community Lodgings’ Boys Mentoring Group, Their Family and Friends

What: Food, Games, Fun!

When: Noon – 3:00pm, Saturday, Aug. 25th; Cornhole Tournament begins @ 1:00pm

Where: Family Learning Center; 607 Notabene, Alexandria, VA – *Near the intersection of Glebe and Mount Vernon Avenue*

If you live in the 45th District, you may be eligible to vote absentee for the upcoming Special Election on September 4th.

The Political Action Chair Tai Smith advises that local WPFW Radio Station (89.3FM) wishes to participate with the NAACP, Alexandria Branch at a Town Hall Meeting on August 20, from 6:30 pm to 8:03 pm, at Charles Houston Rec Center to discuss voting matters, etc..  This will be an opportunity for northern Virginia listeners to dialogue with WPFW Management, staff and board about issues aff

Whole Foods Market Old Town is hosting a Back-to-School Festival on Saturday, August 11th from noon - 4 p.m. at John Carlyle Square Park. This first time community event features many fun and educational activities to help kids and their parents get ready for the new school year. 

Help Alexandria kids start off the school year with the right tools and a big smile on ther faces by donating school supplies in bins at many local businesses around town.

Community Partners for Children (CPC) are running their annual school supply drive to help school age children of all ages in need. You can donate any of the following at participating locations: composition books, spiral notebooks, wide-rule notebook paper, pens, pencils, crayons, erasers, scissors, rulers and other items.

What Is The Campagna Center?

Founded in 1945, The Campagna Center operates high-quality programs that support children in Alexandria by providing services that allow them to arrive at school ready to learn and ensure they are academically successful at each grade level.  The agency provides services to adults and families in areas related to education and self-sufficiency.  The agency reaches over 1,700 children and families through its various program options.

Ever wonder how the first First Lady entertained her guests? What is the proper way to hold a teacup with no handles? Here is your chance to experience history with Martha Washington as she discusses 18th century tea customs as well as clothing of the period. 18th century tea includes the museum's special blend of tea, pound cake, dried fruit, and assortment of cookies.

Friends of Fort Ward bus tour, “The 17th Va. Infantry & the Maryland Campaign of 1862.” Tour leader David Heiby will trace the role of local troops in this key Confederate regiment during Robert E. Lee’s invasion of Maryland.

Join President Madison as he discusses and engages guests about political and personal issues of 1812. Reservations are recommended. For more information you may contact 703.746.4242 or check out https://cheyenne.alexandriava.gov/cgi-bin/oha_shop/index.html

What Is The Parent Leadership Training Institute?

The PLTI program is a two-generation strategy to bolster parental involvement while promoting the lifelong health, safety and learning of children. Parents apply to attend a 20-week program. If selected, family supports such as child care, meals and transportation are provided. Each class mentors the next class, creating a pyramid effect of community caring and a developing coalition of parents.  

All families are invited to tour the historic tavern as Junior Docents, volunteers from grads 4 through 8, share their enthusiasm for history. Let your kids be inspired by their peers as they tour the tavern as well as enjoy special performances and activities as part of the tour. Tours are from 1 to 4pm. No reservations necessary.

The Friends of Alexandria will hold a Java Jolt with the acclaimed author of "Civil War Northern Virginia 1861", William Connery.

In conjunction with PAL (People Animals Love), a Washington, D.C.-based animal therapy organization.
1st through 5th graders sign up for 15-minute slots, during which they each read to a furry friend and listener.

For more information, call the library at 703-746-1705.

After adding on the almost $700 in cash donation made at Alexandria branches of Virginia Commerce Bank, our presenting sponsor, Spring2ACTion 2012 raised more than $320,000 for Alexandria nonprofits in just 24 hours! Spring2ACTion is the biggest Alexandria fundraising event ever thanks to you!

What your contributions mean for local nonprofits

• Casa Chirilagua can now start an after-school middle school program for kids living in the Chirilagua area of Arlandria.

• The Art League can build a new art facility to continue to provide affordable art education.

• YMCA Alexandria can provide 21 more kids scholarships to summer camp.

• Friends of Guest House can continue parenting classes for women coming out of incarceration to help them transition successfully back into community and family life.   

• Senior Services of Alexandria is able to extend its Meals on Wheels Program to serve seniors on more Saturdays and Sundays.

And the winners are…

What would you ask the City Council candidates?

Civic engagement is what ACTion Alexandria is all about and what's more civic than voting?  It's been a boisterous year in city politics, and with more than a baker's dozen worth of candidates running for City Council, it's hard for a lot of us to figure out which candidates best represent our vision for our community.

So, we are turning the tables on traditional political debates by giving YOU the starring role in our online forum.

Friday, Oct. 5 is the last day to post/vote for Oct.