Bulletin Board: Alexandria

Submit civic/community announcements at ConnectionNewspapers.com/Calendar. Photos and artwork welcome. Deadline is Thursday at noon, at least two weeks before event.

Fairfax County Activates Coronavirus Info Center

Fairfax County activated a Joint Information Center in response to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) on March 13.

Fairfax County Health Department COVID-19 webpage – www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus

Emergency Information Blog (you can subscribe by email or follow by RSS) – www.fairfaxcounty.gov/emergency/blog

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Call Center – The community may call 703-267-3511 with questions. The call center is open from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends.

Residents may also text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates from Fairfax County about COVID-19.

Twitter – @fairfaxcounty and @fairfaxhealth

Facebook – www.facebook.com/fairfaxcounty and www.facebook.com/fairfaxcountyhealth

Closures Due to COVID-19

Effective Monday, March 16, Fairfax County park (indoor), library and other community facilities will be closed for two weeks. The impacted facilities include recreation (RECenters), nature, community, resource and teen centers, as well as golf courses, historic sites and (permitted use of) athletic fields and picnic shelters. The county has also closed all senior center and adult day health care facilities. Some of these facilities will be used as meal distribution centers to serve the community as needed. As the coronavirus situation continues to unfold the status of these facilities will be continuously re-evaluated.

Learn more about COVID-19 on the Health Department Coronavirus (COVID-19) Webpage: (https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/health/novel-coronavirus)

Call 703-267-3511 with questions. The call center is open from 9:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. weekdays and 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends

Residents may also text FFXCOVID to 888777 to receive updates from Fairfax County about COVID-19

Follow the Fairfax County Government Facebook Page and Health Department Facebook Page

Follow @fairfaxcounty and @fairfaxhealth on Twitter

Participate in 2020 Census Efforts

Councilman Canek Aguirre is encouraging residents to participate in Census volunteer efforts to raise awareness about the 2020 Census and reach Alexandria’s hard-to-count populations. Aguirre serves as Chair of the City of Alexandria’s Complete Count Committee. A list of upcoming volunteer opportunities can be found below:

2020 Census Information Session – Saturday, March 28, 3 p.m., Barrett Branch Library, 717 Queen Street, Alexandria.

2020 Census Information Session – Monday, March 30, 7 p.m., Duncan Branch Library, 2501 Commonwealth Avenue, Alexandria.

2020 Census Information Session – Saturday, April 11, 11 a.m., Burke Branch Library, 4701 Seminary Road, Alexandria.

Saturday/March 21

CASA Info Session. 9 a.m. At Martha Washington Library, 6614 Fort Hunt Road, Alexandria. Fairfax Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) provides volunteer advocates to abused and neglected children referred by the Fairfax County Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court. The first step to becoming a CASA volunteer is to attend an information session. RSVP to sgoldberg@casafairfax.org as space is limited.

Thursday/March 26

Community Meeting. 6-8 p.m. At T.C. Williams High School Cafeteria, 3330 King Street, Alexandria. Community Meeting and Open House for The High School Project. An update regarding ideas emerging around future programming and the use of the site.

Monday/March 28

ADU Community Meeting. 7.p.m. At the Beatley Library, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria. The City of Alexandria will begin a series of community meetings to inform residents about accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and ask for feedback on how to implement a successful ADU program. Part of the outreach efforts will also include a short survey that will launch to gauge resident opinions on ADU implementation options. A third meeting to discuss the findings of the initial open houses and survey will be held in early April. An ADU, commonly referred to as an “in-law apartment” or “granny flat” is a second, separate living unit. ADUs can be built by converting a basement into an apartment, adding an addition to an existing house, building an apartment over a garage, converting an existing detached garage, or building a new backyard cottage. An ADU is distinguished from renting out part of a house because it is a totally separate living unit, with a separate entrance, bathroom, and kitchen. For more information, visit the project webpage at https://tinyurl.com/AlexADU or contact Sam Shelby, Urban Planner, 703-746-3865.

Free Tax Preparation

The City of Alexandria is offering free tax preparation to qualifying residents. Taxpayers are eligible if their income is below approximately $35,000 for individuals and $55,000 for families. Expert volunteers from Community Tax Aid, Inc. will ensure that taxpayers apply for all applicable credits and deductions -- especially the Earned Income Tax Credit and the Child Tax Credit, which people often don’t realize they are eligible to receive. Sessions will be held on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon, and Wednesdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m., from now through April 11, at the Department of Community and Human Services (2525 Mount Vernon Ave.). Persons seeking tax preparation assistance will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis, and electronic filing will be provided. Spanish-speaking volunteers will be available. The following documentation is required: a social security card for each family member; photo ID for the taxpayer (and spouse, if filing jointly); W-2 forms and other source of income records; receipts or records for expenses such as child care and education; and, if possible, a copy of last year’s tax return.

Grant Helps Alexandria School

George Washington Middle School in Alexandria received an $11,000 grant as part of No Kid Hungry Virginia’s recent $32,000 investment across the state to support alternative school breakfast models, known nationwide as Breakfast After the Bell programs. Accessing traditional breakfast service in the cafeteria before the start of the school day can be challenging for youth. Breakfast After the Bell provides breakfast in a way that’s more convenient to students, resulting in more students starting their day off eating a nutritious meal. The new Breakfast After the Bell program utilizes a model called Second Chance Breakfast and gives George Washington Middle School an opportunity to pick up breakfast before the first instructional bell, at the start of first period and between first and second period each school day.

Summer Camp Registration Begins

Registration for 2020 Summer Camps offered by the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities has begun. Registration will be available online, or in-person at the Lee Center (1108 Jefferson St.).

The 2020 Summer of Smiles Summer Camp Guide is available online, and free printed brochures will be available in all City of Alexandria recreation centers and library branches. The guide contains more than 75 camp options available to youth ages 2 to 17, including sports; creative arts; computers; nature; performing arts; cooking; excursions; Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM); Camp Adventure; and Out of School Time and classic camps. To register for summer camps and other recreation activities, classes and programs, visit alexandriava.gov/Recreation or contact the Registration and Reservation Office at 703-746-5414.

Library Cancels Kanopy Film Streaming Service

On April 30, 2020, Alexandria Library customers will no longer have access to the “Kanopy” on-demand film streaming service. The Library began offering the service in July 2018 due to public demand for download movie streaming services. They were offering customers 10 titles per month “free” at a pay-per-use cost of $2 to the Library for videos that played longer than 4 minutes. They soon incurred extremely high costs and in an attempt to maintain the service, lowered downloads to 4 titles per month to ease our budget costs. Kanopy then decided to “package” offerings into specialty groups and increased the price of those packages to $5 per download, cancelling any cost savings and overrunning our budget. Additional and continual changes within Kanopy’s price packaging structure have made it difficult for the Library to continue offering the service. Beginning April 30, 2020, the service will be discontinued. For more information, contact the Digital Services Librarian, Cara Sonnier at csonnier@alexlibraryva.org

Lock and Talk N. Virginia


DCHS now offers two locations where Alexandria residents and employees can obtain free locking medication boxes and firearm trigger or cable locks as part of Lock and Talk Northern Virginia. This safety program is a collaborative initiative of the Suicide Prevention Alliance of Northern Virginia. The free firearm locks and medication lock boxes offered from this program include information on safe handling, along with tips on how to secure firearms and medications. Alexandria residents and employees can obtain the free locking devices at these DCHS locations: 4480 King Street (5th Floor) or 2525 Mt. Vernon Avenue. For more information about the program and suicide prevention, visit DCHS Connect at the website: https://www.alexandriava.gov/dchs/info/DCHSConnectInfo.aspx?id=112415

Safety

Free Medication and Firearm Locking Devices. The City of Alexandria is offering free locking medication boxes and firearm trigger or cable locks as part of Lock and Talk Northern Virginia. Alexandria residents and employees may call 703-746-3436 to obtain these free life-saving devices. Suicide can be prevented. Anyone at risk of suicide, or who knows someone at risk, should get help right away. Call PRS CrisisLink at 703-527-4077, text “CONNECT” to 85511 or call City of Alexandria Emergency Services at 703-746-3401. For life-threatening situations, call 911 immediately.

Victim Support Services

Resources Available to Support Sexual Assault Victims. The City of Alexandria reminds the community of resources available for survivors of sexual assault and those supporting survivors. It is important for survivors to know that it is not their fault and help is available.

  • In case of an emergency, and for life-threatening situations, always call 911.

  • The City’s Sexual Assault Center offers services including a 24/7 hotline at 703-683-7273, individual counseling, support groups, family support and information and referral services. Call the hotline to access these and additional services, or visit the website at alexandriava.gov/SexualViolence.

  • Free presentations are also available on topics including prevention, awareness, healthy relationships, sexual harassment and bystander intervention. To schedule a presentation for a school, youth group, civic organization or other Alexandria group, call 703-746-3118.

Domestic Violence Resources

The City of Alexandria is reminding the community about the importance of stopping domestic violence and highlighting available resources. Domestic violence is an instance or pattern of abusive or coercive behaviors that may include threats, harassment, controlling resources, verbal and emotional abuse, sexual abuse, physical assault, or other actions. These behaviors are exhibited by one individual to exert power or control over another in the context of a family, or in dating relationships, (including those of teen couples and adult couples who do not live together). To check whether you or someone you know might be a victim, take a quick online assessment at www.alexandriava.gov/DomesticViolence#AreYouaVictim to learn more. Those concerned about the safety of another can become active bystanders and help guide the victim to confidential support and assistance. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/DomesticViolence#FriendsandFamilyofSurvivors. The City of Alexandria Domestic Violence Program operates a 24/7 hotline at 703-746-4911. Among the services offered are a Safe House shelter; counseling; confidential support groups; and legal help, including court accompaniment and assistance with protective orders. There are also opportunities to join and support the numerous city agencies working together in the prevention and treatment of domestic violence.

Well-Being Resources

The City of Alexandria reminds the community of resources to help cope with uncertainty or fear following the June 14 shooting incident at Eugene Simpson Stadium Park. Such tragic events—in addition to ongoing violence, political turmoil, and rapidly unfolding world events—can result in added stress, uncertainty, fear and depression.

For those who are experiencing these feelings, know there are resources that can help.

  • If you are in crisis and need to talk to someone, call or text the PRS CrisisLink Hotline at 703-527-4077 or text "connect" to 855-11 (TTY, please dial 711).

  • The City offers resources for coping with uncertainty and fear (www.alexandriava.gov/92897), with information about reactions to and ways to cope with these feelings, tips on managing general stress, and how you can help support the reactions of children and adolescents who are experiencing these feelings (www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/helping-children-and-adolescents-cope-with-violence-and-disasters-parents/helping-children-cope-parents_146810.pdf).

  • City employees have access to a free, confidential Employee Assistance Program with 24/7 telephone and online access.

For immediate police, fire, or emergency medical assistance, call 9-1-1.

As a reminder, the City’s emergency hotlines also include the child protective services hotline at 703-746-5800; the domestic violence hotline at 703-746-4911; the emergency services for mental health or substance abuse crisis hotline at 703-746-3401; the adult protective services hotline at 703-746-5778; and the sexual assault hotline at 703-683-7273. All emergency hotlines operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Volunteers Wanted

Join Friends’ Board. Those who care about mental health, the Alexandria community, and collaborating with fellow residents to make sure the City’s most vulnerable residents have a chance to thrive, then consider joining the Board of Friends of the Alexandria Mental Health Center. The Friends Board is an all-volunteer group of residents that oversees the administration of one of Alexandria’s top mental health charities. Friends has no paid staff, so Board members, working on average 10 hours per month, share the day-to-day work needed to accomplish its goals. Interested candidates should email FriendsofAMHC@gmail.com.

STEM Professionals Needed. Help assist K-12 STEM teachers as part of the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s STEM Volunteer Program, stemvolunteers.org, during the 2018-19 school year. In the 2017-18 school year, there are 85 volunteers in 6 Northern Virginia school districts. Contact Don Rea at 571-551- 2488, or donaldrea@aol.com.

Volunteer Adult Mentors Needed. Help assist the Department of Family Services’ BeFriendA-Child mentoring program. The mentors provide opportunities for companionship, guidance and support to children who have been abused and neglected, or who are at risk of abuse and neglect. Contact Ibrahim Khalil (Ibrahim.khalil@fairfaxcounty.gov) at 703-324-4547.

ALIVE! offers numerous programs that aid low-income families in Alexandria that rely on volunteers: monthly food distributions, furniture, houseware and emergency food deliveries, and community food drives. Individuals, families and groups are encouraged to participate. Students can earn community service hours by participating. Visit www.alive-inc.org/volunteer.htm or contact the Volunteer Coordinator at volunteers@alive-inc.org.

Volunteer Drivers Needed. Drivers needed by the American Cancer Society to take cancer patients to treatment in Northern Virginia. To volunteer, call 1-800-227-2345 or go to cancer.org/drive.

RSVP, a volunteer network for seniors seeking service opportunities in and around Fairfax County, Arlington County and the City of Alexandria, offers a wide array of opportunities for volunteers 55 and older. RSVP volunteers enjoy flexible schedules, free accident and liability insurance while serving, optional mileage and meal reimbursement and are invited to volunteer group projects and social gatherings. To sign up for an upcoming orientation, email Carly Hubicki at chubicki@volunteerfairfax.org or call RSVP at 703-403- 5360. To learn more about RSVP, visit www.rsvpnova.org.

Mentors Wanted. Two creative programs that help transform the lives of Alexandria’s preteens are seeking volunteer mentors. SOHO, which stands for “Space of Her Own,” and “Space of His Own,” serves vulnerable fifth graders in Alexandria. The programs pair men and women with youth in need of positive adult role models, to help support and guide youth in making healthy choices and succeeding in school and in life. Visit www.spaceofherown.org and www.spaceofhisown.org. For more information on how to become a SOHO mentor, contact Sarah Maroney at sarah.maroney@alexandriava.gov or phone at 703-746-4687.

Farmer's Market Volunteers Needed. To volunteer for the Farmer's Markets, email Brian Morreale, brianmorreale@gmail.com

Arts and Crafts Festival. Volunteers are needed on June 10 to help with the event including: greet and check-in vendors, children’s area, clean up and tear down and beer tent. Shifts are available between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Visit www.volunteeralexandria.org/ for more.

Support Groups

Postpartum Support Virginia sponsors a free, bi-monthly support group for women suffering depression and/or anxiety during pregnancy or in the first year following childbirth. Meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesdays of each month at Inova Alexandria Hospital, Health Education Center, rooms 1-2, 4320 Seminary Road. Contact co-moderator Susan Doyle at suzjdoyle@gmail.com or 571-403-0673.

The Parkinson’s Disease Support Group of Alexandria meets the 1st Wednesday of each month at 2 p.m. At the Hollin Hall Senior Center, Room 109, 1500 Shenandoah Road. All Parkinson’s patients and caregivers are welcome.

The Caregiver Support Group is facilitated by the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services Division of Aging and Adult Services. Meetings are held the first Wednesday of each month at the Adult Day Services Center, 1108 Jefferson St., 4-5:30 p.m. Participants are full- or part-time caregivers providing care locally or long distance to a family member or friend. Participants share their experiences, provide support for each other and receive resources to assist them with caregiving. The next Caregiver Support Group meeting is June 7. For more information or to register, contact Jennifer Sarisky at 703-746-9999 or email DAAS@alexandriava.gov.

FACE Center Support Groups provide parents with a space to share their daily parenting frustrations and triumphs while offering new strategies for helping parents to cope, build positive parent-child relationships and best support their children's learning.

  • Support Group in English, every Monday, 6-7:30 p.m. at ARHA Main Building, 401 Wythe St.

  • Support Group in Spanish, every Wednesday, 6-7:30 p.m. at Community Lodgings Brookside Center, 614 Four Mile Road.

Registration not necessary. A light dinner and childcare services provided free. Contact Krishna Leyva at 703-619-8055 or krishna.leyva@acps.k12.va.us for more.

Divorce Workshop for Women. Second Saturday of each month, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at Hilton Alexandria Old Town, 1767 King St. The workshops are designed to provide education on the legal, financial, family and personal issues of divorce in a logical, yet compassionate way. The workshop fee is $25. Visit www.novasecondsaturday.com for more.

Ongoing

Backflow Preventer (BFP) Assistance Program. The City of Alexandria has reinstated its sewer Backflow Preventer (BFP) Assistance Program for homeowners in designated areas that historically experience basement back-ups or flooding. The program reimburses homeowners for up to 50 percent of the cost of installing a BFP device by a licensed plumbing contractor, up to a maximum of $2,000. The current program period is through Dec. 31, 2019. Alexandria homeowners should call the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services at 703-746-4014 or visit www.alexandriava.gov/tes.

Thrift and Gift Shop. Fridays-Saturdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. (except Christmas and Easter) at Church of St. Clement, 1701 N. Quaker Lane. Shop for quality bargains in clothing for adults and children, jewelry, books, toys, housewares, collectibles, objet d’art, and more. Open Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. except Christmas and Easter. Donations accepted during open hours. Call 703 998-6166.

Robust Walking. Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 9 a.m. at Mount Vernon Recreation Center, 2701 Commonwealth Ave. Free 55+ robust walking 1-hour exercise class (with chair exercise option). No class on holidays. Contact jjkingconsulting@yahoo.com.

Seeking Donations. Computer CORE, which is dedicated to helping low-income adults become computer literate is seeking donations. Visit www.computercore.org/contribute.

Senior and Job Programs. 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Queen of Apostles Church, 4650 Taney Avenue, Alexandria. St. Martin de Porres Center offers senior and job placement programming Monday through Friday at the parish. Email Kathryn Toohey, ktoohey@ccda.net.

Be Heard at the City's Monthly Public Hearings. A schedule of the meetings can be found at www.alexandriava.gov. Voice opinions, speak about something on the docket or just speak about something you are concerned about. Sign up in advance to speak through the city’s website. Anyone is welcome at any of the public hearings.

Public Space Recycling. Alexandria has placed more than 80 bright blue recycling containers next to public trash cans in the commercial districts along Mount Vernon Avenue and King Street, as well as other public spaces, including parks, recreation fields, and other high-traffic pedestrian areas. Visit alexandriava.gov/Recycling.

Composting and Food Waste. Alexandria now has Resource Recovery Stations, located at the City's Farmers' Markets (Old Town, Del Ray) to collect food waste. More than 270 people have participated in the food waste program over the last several months. Participants drop off items weekly, over eight tons of waste has been collected, to be composted to make a natural fertilizer. To learn more about composting visit alexandriava.gov/YardWaste.

English as a Second Language Class. Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library, 5005 Duke St. Tuesdays and Thursdays, all levels 10 a.m.-12 p.m., intermediate workshop 3-5 p.m. All classes free. Call the information desk, 703-746-1702.

The Talking Book Service at Alexandria Library will now operate Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Patrons may also reach the service at 703-746-1760.

Digital Magazines. Patrons of Alexandria Library will have unlimited access to read digital magazines, which can be viewed on most Internet-enabled devices inside or outside of the library. Accessible through www.rbdigital.com/alexandriava/zinio.

Eligible low income households can now use their SNAP benefits to buy local foods at the Old Town Farmers’ Market. SNAP customers are able to use their electronic benefits transfer cards to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables and other eligible food products at the market. The Old Town Farmer’s Market is located at 301 King St., and is open on Saturdays, year round from 7 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Opera NOVA has begun collection of used musical instruments. Any instruments welcomed, regardless of type. Snare drums, clarinets, and violins are just some of the instruments that could bring joy to a home or school. Any recorders donated will be sent to an orphanage in Haiti in order to build a musical presence there. Opera NOVA has tax-exempt status. Contact Miriam Miller at 703-536-7557 or mcdm1@verizon.net to arrange for delivery.

Free Medicare counseling is available for City of Alexandria residents through the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP) to help individuals understand and navigate Medicare insurance programs. VICAP Medicare counselors will be available on Thursdays from 1-5 p.m. , by appointment only, at the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services, located at 2525 Mount Vernon Ave. Speakers are also available to present information on Medicare Basic to community groups. Call 703-228-1726.

The Military Officers Association of America’s scholarship fund gives out loans and grants to children of military families. To learn more, apply or donate visit www.moaa.org/scholarshipfund.

VCE Master Gardener Help Desk. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday-Friday. Bring fresh samples of problem plants, weeds or insects to ensure accurate identification. VCE recommends carrying samples in plastic bags or other clear containers. No live insects. All clinics and Help Desk are free. 703-228-6414 or mgarlalex@gmail.com.

Five-Star Toastmasters, Club # 9623. Tuesdays, 5:30-7 p.m. at the Pentagon Conference Center. Toastmasters can help participants sharpen their speaking skills, boost their confidence and energize their leadership skills in a team-oriented atmosphere. Visit fivestar.freetoasthost.com or Club President Charlie DeWitt at 202-997-5087 or Club_President@fivestar.freetoasthost.com.

Connect with T&ES on Facebook. The City of Alexandria’s Department of Transportation & Environmental Services (T&ES) is on Facebook. The T&ES Facebook page will share information on topics such as transportation planning, trash and recycling service, road work and maintenance, traffic, infrastructure and engineering projects, Eco-City Alexandria and environmental initiatives, emergency cleanup efforts, and more. Visit alexandriava.gov/SocialMedia.

Training Courses. The American Red Cross in the National Capital Region will host training courses in CPR, First Aid, and AED in the Alexandria and Fort Belvoir offices. These classes offer a two-year certification. Classes range from $70-$110 and will be held on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Saturdays, dependent upon the participant’s choice. Advance registration is required. To register for a class or find another class in your area, call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcross.org/takeaclass.

Internet Offered for Low-income Families. Internet Essentials is an adoption program designed to help close the digital divide for low-income Americans. A household is eligible to participate if it is located where Comcast offers Internet service; has at least one child who is eligible to receive either a free or reduced price school lunch under the NSLP; has not subscribed to Comcast Internet service within the last 90 days; and does not have an overdue Comcast bill or unreturned equipment. Any household that qualifies will remain eligible for Internet Essentials if at least one child eligible for either a free or reduced price school lunch remains living in the household.

Plant Clinics. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays at Alexandria Lee Center, 1108 Jefferson St. From late-April to late-October, the Master Gardeners of Northern Virginia will be holding a plant clinic for the community. Gardeners also staff the Horticulture Help Desk, 9 a.m.-noon weekdays year-round at the VCE office in the Fairlington Community Center, 3308 S. Stafford St. Contact 703-228-6414, mgarlalex@gmail.com or www.ext.vt.edu.

At Home in Alexandria! Those interested in becoming AHA! Friends should call AHA! at 703-231-0824 or download the application form from the AHA! website at www.athomeinalexandria.org. AHA! supports Alexandrians ages 55+ who prefer to remain independent in their own homes.

Volunteers Needed

Assistance League of Northern Virginia, a volunteer nonprofit, invites community members to join the organization to participate in its Reading Express program. Volunteers provide one-on-one tutoring to first grade students during the school year. To learn more contact VP Membership Mary Gronlund at gronbiz@aol.com or Program Coordinator Lynn Barron at lynnieb517@verizon.net.

The Energy Masters Training program, which trains volunteers in energy efficiency, water conservation, and community education and outreach, is seeking volunteers. Alexandria joins program partners Arlingtonians for a Clean Environment (ACE), Arlington Thrive, and Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE). The program is accepting applications for community and student apprentice volunteers for the fall training program, which starts in late September. The student apprentice program is open to college students and high school students ages 16 and over. Visit www.ArlingtonEnvironment.org/energy.

Volunteers Needed. The city has an ongoing need for volunteers. Visit handsonconnect.volunteeralexandria.org for a complete list of opportunities.

Volunteer Program Professional. This position is responsible for planning, organizing and directing the volunteer programs associated with the Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities, the Office of Historic Alexandria, and the City of Alexandria Library. Organizes and conducts meetings, and provides technical guidance to agencies in volunteer development. The incumbent reports to the Director of RPCA. Visit www.volunteeralexandria.org or call 703-836-2176.

Make Difference in a Child's Life. Volunteer with The Child & Family Network Centers (CFNC) and help to provide caring, high-quality, free early education and related services to at-risk children and their families. Volunteers work alongside teachers in one of 10 classrooms across Alexandria. Read and engage in conversation with children. Support teachers in everyday activities. Volunteer five days a week or one hour a month and change lives for a lifetime. Visit www.volunteeralexandria.org or call 703-836-2176.

Become a Volunteer English Tutor, Teacher and Classroom Aid. The Literacy Council of Northern Virginia recruits and trains volunteer tutors, classroom teachers, class aides, and student assessment specialists to work with adult learners who need help with reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English. LCNV also seeks committed office volunteers to assist with logistics, outreach, and data entry. Classrooms are in Alexandria, Annandale, Falls Church, Herndon, Lorton, and Springfield. Visit www.volunteeralexandria.org or call 703-836-2176.

Alexandria’s Juvenile Court Services and Seaport Foundation seek adult male mentors for the new SOHO (Space of His Own) creative mentorship program. Seaport SOHO will meet throughout the school year on Wednesday evenings, from 5:30-8 p.m., at the Alexandria Seaport Foundation, 2 Duke St. Seaport SOHO will provide boys from fragile and fragmented homes with yearlong one-to-one mentoring through engagement in carpentry, fishing and sports activities. No mentoring or carpentry experience is required; SOHO is looking for enthusiastic and innovative men to serve as mentors. Email ashley.snyder@alexandriava.gov.

Pets Bring Joy, a local nonprofit animal rescue organization, is in need of temporary fosters. By offering a temporary loving home to a homeless cat, you are providing a critical link in their transition into a forever home. Email info@petsbringjoy.org if interested in becoming a foster. Visit petsbringjoy.org.

The Campagna Center is looking for volunteers for several different activities including, helping with home tours, Taste of Scotland, holiday events, mentoring, and tutoring. www.volunteeralexandria.org/