Author Archives: delraybaby

Aug 05, 2013

National Night Out Alexandria

Tomorrow, Aug. 6th, the Del Ray Citizens Association will host National Night Out at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center Field from 5:30-8:30. National Night Out is a community gathering to promote community and public safety. Come visit with your neighbors and local police and other public safety officers. Refreshments will be served.

All through Alexandria there will be several National Night Out Celebrations . McGruff the Crime Fighting Dog, K-9 Unit, Motor Unit, Bike Patrol, Command Bus, Armored Personnel Carrier and the Crime Scene Mobile Lab will tour neighborhoods and offer special demonstrations.

National Night Out, a year-long community building campaign, is designed to:

Heighten crime prevention awareness;
Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs;
Strengthen neighborhood spirit and law enforcement-community partnerships;
Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

“National Night Out is an opportunity for the Alexandria Police Department to strengthen our relationship with the community and thank the residents for their vigilance and their dedication to keeping Alexandria a safe place to live, work and visit,” says Chief Cook.

Jul 31, 2013

First Thursday- Did you know?

Tomorrow, August 1st from 6-9 p.m. is First Thursday – Did You Know

The Del Ray Business Association will be sharing interesting facts about local businesses and Del Ray through a scavenger hunt and educational demonstrations. For the Scavenger Hunt, pick up the clues and map at 6pm at the Farmer’s Market. Find the answers by visiting local businesses and their tables along the Avenue. Seichou Karate, Del Ray Variety, Rich Rosenthal Brincefield Manitta Dzubin & Kroeger, A Shot in the Dark, The Plannery, Nanny Next Door, Jason Fuchs of Wells Fargo Advisors, Del Ray Artisans, and Sediment Press will be participating.

Mount Vernon Community School will be the featured non-profit of First Thursday and will have a booth at the Farmers Market. At the booth you can:
■Purchase MVCS t-shirts
■Sign up to join/renew your PTA membership
■Drop off “Boxtops for Education“
■Register your Giant, Target, Safeway and Harris Teeter cards so MVCS can earn money with each purchase
■Get the latest on the MV Big Flea and other PTA programs and activities
■Learn how to become a community partner
■Donate school supplies

There will also be demonstrations at the Farmer’s Market Lot starting at 6:30 Turn Your Favorite Bar Soap Into A Liquid Soap (Truly Life) 6:45 Karate Student Demo (Seichou Karate) 7:15 A Skit (Del Ray Variety)

Many businesses will have tables set up along Mt. Vernon Avenue. Many will have fun activities and demonstrations. Get your face painted at Nanny Next Door’s table near A Show of Hands. Watch Meghan from A Shot in the Dark demonstrate the rule of thirds at A Shot in the Dark’s table near the Farmer’s Market.

Jul 18, 2013

Warwick Pool

In case you haven’t had the opportunity to enjoy Warwick pool with your family, you should take of advantage of it this summer. The city has agreed to keep this facility open for 2013 but is not planning to keep the pool open after this year. It is located at 3301 Landover St. in Warwick Village.There is a 25 yard pool with a diving well. The Pool starts at 3 feet in depth and increases to 9 feet in the diving well. There is a separate wading pool for children up to 42 inches in height. There are changing rooms in a very basic bathhouse. No concessions are available so bring a picnic lunch. There is a picnic area inside the pool complex. Next door to the pool is a park with a new playground and picnic area.

Operating Hours

May 25 – June 23
- Saturday & Sunday only: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
June 24 – August 16
- Monday – Friday: Noon to 7 p.m.
- Sat & Sun: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
August 17 – September 2
- Sat & Sunday only: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Holidays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Memorial, Independence and Labor Day)

Where to find the pool? It’s located at 3301 Landover St. You can call for more information at 703.836.1241

Warwick Pool Admission Fees:

General Admission	Fee
Child (0 – 4) with paying adult	Free
Youth (5-17)	$1
Adult (18-59)	$2
Senior (60 & older)	Free
Nonresident	$3

Outdoor Pool Season Pass	Fee
Child (0 – 4) with paying adult	Free
Youth (5-17)	$53
Adult (18-59)	$105
Seniors (60 & older)	Free
Family (includes up to 4)	$288
Nonresident	Not Available

Jul 16, 2013

Not Just Del Ray Baby

I was talking with a great mom friend today that’s I’ve know since my youngest was a wee one and getting her thoughts on how our babies are growing and becoming full grown kids. Del Ray Baby’s blog and Facebook page have never been just about babies. My own kids are now 6 and 8 and I feel like I’ve always covered topics for families. I’m sure your babies are growing too! Considering this, do we need a re-brand? I love Del Ray Baby and don’t want to lose that but are we more than that to you? My friend suggested Del Ray Families because it really is all about the entire family. Thought I’d branch out and ask a few more friends ; ) What do you think?

“Main Street & Nations Celebration” First Thursday is going to be held on the second Thursday, July 11th from 6 pm to 9 pm along Mt. Vernon Avenue and is put on by the Del Ray Business Association.

Activities tomorrow evening include:

– The traditional cake walk at the Farmer’s Market lot at Mt. Vernon & E. Oxford Avenue! Everyone is invited to participate.

– Musical entertainment will be by Rainbow Rock (www.rainbowrockband.com) headed up by our own Kate Moran located at the Farmer’s Market Lot.

– As we celebrate our nation’s freedom, we would like to recognize and help the Friends of Rocky Versace as they support the various projects associated with the Captain Rocky Versace Plaza & Vietnam Veterans Memorial which is located here in Del Ray. They will have a table set up at the Farmer’s Market and will be accepting donations throughout the evening; checks should be made payable to Friends of Rocky Versace.

– Independence Day celebrations aren’t complete without an official watermelon seed spitting contest. Wouldn’t you love to be able to claim that title?? If so, stop by Pork Barrel BBQ who will be hosting this annual tradition at Mt. Vernon and E. Oxford Avenues.

– Besides being one of our favorite City departments, the Alexandria Sheriff’s Department always has lots of goodies to hand out at our First Thursday’s. This month, they will be the hit on the Avenue as they hand out free Slurpee coupons. Come by to get one while supplies last! Unrelated to First Thursday but still happening on Mount Vernon Ave., 7-Eleven will be celebrating 7/11 by giving out free 12 oz. slurpees.

– There will be free face painting for the kiddos at the farmers market.

It promises to be lots of fun!

Jun 17, 2013

Rainbow Rocking

When you have kids your whole world changes, including the music you listen to. Kate Moran, long time resident and rocker here in Del Ray, has started a group that caters to the preschool crowd called Rainbow Rock proclaimed “Pop rock for your little dudes”

The Rainbow Rock crew has a monthly gig that they play at St. Elmo’s Coffee Pub on the third Monday of each month. They have other special performances that you can see listed on their website and on their Facebook page.

My kids and I caught the Rainbow crew at St. Elmos Coffee Pub at their last performance and found plenty of preschoolers bopping and enjoying the beat. The band was playing several classic favorites such as Old McDonald and Hokey Pokey but The Rainbow Rock crew has several original songs such as crowd favorite ‘Squirrel Song’. They were also handing out musical instruments for the kids to play and allowed kids to come up and sing along with the band. The monthly performance at St. Elmos has a requested $5 donation.

Rainbow Lady (a.k.a. Kate Moran) began singing at an early age when her mother, Rain Storm, showered her with music and melodies. Her dad, Drop O’Sunlight, introduced her to pop and rock and she quickly knew that this was what she was meant to do! When she isn’t performing with Rainbow Rock, Rainbow Lady’s favorite spots include fountains, waterfalls, sprinklers and with a little bit of luck you just might see her in the mist of ocean waves! Playing with her best friend, Princess Fiddlesticks, her good buddy, Captain Toe Tappin and their fun side-kick Pattycake Patty simply makes her prism complete! With the Sun at her back, and clouds in the sky, the Rainbow Lady is always nearby!

Jun 13, 2013

The Little Gym of Alexandria at Van Dorn Give Away

We are so excited here at Del Ray Baby to be offering a fantastic give away from The Little Gym of Alexandria at Van Dorn

We will be giving away a basket that has been so kindly offered by The Little Gym which includes a certificate for THREE days of summer camp!

Summer camp at The Little Gym of Alexandria at Van Dorn combines physical activities and gym games with arts, crafts and special guests — from furry friends to local heroes such as firefighters and policemen have been known to stop by the gym! Each week is a different theme and each day brings a unique lesson plan! Plus, flexible scheduling allows for you to reserve just one day, a few days or even a week — whatever will fit your family’s summer schedule!

PRIZE: A prize basket (pictured above) which includes a certificate for THREE camp days, a t-shirt, water bottle and other fun summer items
DEADLINE: Thursday, June 20th at 11:59 pm EST.
WINNER: One lucky winner will be chosen by random.org and notified on Friday, June 21st by email. We’ll also announce the winner on this blog post and on Facebook— make sure you like us on Facebook for additional notice. Winner will have 48 hours to respond or else another name will be selected.
PRIZE REDEEMABLE: The gift certificate can be used at the Little Gym of Alexandria at Van Dorn only.
TO ENTER: Comment on this post and tell us what your kids will be doing this summer. (One comment entry per person please.)
WHO’S ELIGIBLE: This giveaway is open to anyone who will be able to use the certificate in Alexandria, VA.

For more information on The Little Gym of Alexandria at Van Dorn you can follow them on Facebook and their website and see a blog post that we did about their facility

Jun 10, 2013

Del Ray Music Festival

The 2013 Del Ray Music Festival is coming soon so be ready for a day of family fun on Saturday, June 22, 2013. Scheduled from 12pm to 9pm on the Mt. Vernon Recreation Center Fields at 2701 Commonwealth Avenue.

The festival features a variety of music which have included reggae, jazz, blues, swing, folk, country, Celtic, and rock. The majority of the musicians who take the stage are residents of the neighborhood—something that makes this an extra special show for the performers and gives everyone a chance to hear some wonderful local talent.

There’s a great musical line up but they also have kids games, face painting, a moon bounce and crafts from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. to keep the whole family entertained!

There’s also food and snacks available to buy at the festival.

Jun 05, 2013

First Thursday – Dog Days of Summer

UPDATE

After being postposed on June 6th and 13th, it looks like third time is a charm and First Thursday will happen on June 20th!

Today is Del Ray’s First Thursday. Come out from 6-9pm along Mount Vernon Avenue and join friends and neighbors for lots of fun! Businesses will be open late and there will be fun activities for people and dogs.

The business association hasn’t released much information about the evening but here’s what I’ve gathered that local businesses will be doing:

Del Ray Variety store will have Alexandria Police K-9 Unit demonstrations in their parking lot. Our premier sponsor The Little Gym of Alexandria at Van Dorn will also outside w/ interactive activities for the kids! The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria will be ccollecting pet supply donations in the store.
The Animal Welfare League will be set up at Mt. Vernon and E. Oxford Avenues with staff and adoptable animals. Pet photographer Jeanne Taylor will be taking pictures of dogs outside of A Show of Hands that will be available for sale.
Want to take a break and get a tasty bite to eat that kids and adults will love? Cheesetique will have live jazz all night.
Upcycle Creative Reuse Center is moving to Del Ray at 1712 Mt. Vernon Ave.! Stop by and make an UpCycled dog toy for your special pooch. They are also collecting towels, blankets, bath mats and more for the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
Free face painting at Bellies and Babies
Homeward Trails & Operation Paws for homes will be along the 2500 block of Mt. Vernon Avenue in front of the Mt. Vernon Community School at ‘Rescue Row’ with dogs that are up for adoption.
The Little Free Library stewards and friends will be at Bean Creative helping out the Alexandria Library folks with a readaloud of Martha Speaks, which will be available in the LFL at the corner of Windsor and Dewitt afterwards

Apr 28, 2013

First Thursday is back!

I’m so excited that the nice weather is back and our first First Thursday On The Avenue is this coming Thursday with the fun theme of “Cirque Du Del Ray”

The fun begins at 6:00 pm

Kicking off the First Thursday series with the Health and Wellness themed Cirque Du Del Ray! Come join the fun at the corner of Mt. Vernon Avenue and Oxford Street in a healthy carnival atmosphere where kids and their parents can participate in a variety of activities:

Tentative Schedule of Events in Farmer’s Market Lot (Mount Vernon & East Oxford)

6:00pm – Family Pictionary – “Healthy Foods” Osteopath Dr. Jennifer Lee & “Healthy KOZ”: 2 teams of 5 kids each will compete for a prize!

6:20pm – Little Gym of Alexandria in Van Dorn: activities for kids from 6 and up

7:00pm – Crossfit kids (wear sneakers) – Mount Vernon Community School

7:15pm – Barre Body – Studio Body Logic

7:30pm – Family Yoga (bring a mat) & Pilates Boot Camp (bring a mat) – Mind the Mat & Dragon Pilates

8:00pm – “Let’s Move” Del Ray Hula Hoop Party – DRBA

8:30pm – Closing Meditation (bring a mat) – Yoga & Daily Life Meditation

AND throughout the night, bring your bicycles for Velocity’s BIKE RODEO in the parking lot next to Del Ray Variety at 203 E Custis! Their staff will check out your bike and get it ready for a fun summer!

Check out last year’s Flash Mob!

*UPDATE*

After being postposed on June 6th and 13th, it looks like third time is a charm and First Thursday will happen on June 20th!

UPDATE