A free kids’ event at an Alexandria elementary school next month will combine recycling, crafting and competition.

The “Recycled Royal Rumble” is happening from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 16 at Patrick Henry K-8 School’s athletic field (4653 Taney Avenue). The outdoor challenge tasks kids to create medieval-inspired armor and costumes using cardboard, recycled materials and household items.


Alexandria’s former sheriff and a retired principal from Alexandria City High School will be honored during a gala hosted by the Center for Alexandria’s Children this winter.

Retired sheriff Dana Lawhorne will receive CAC’s Champion for Children Award, while longtime educator John Porter will receive the Outstanding Dedication to Children Award at the nonprofit’s benefit concert in February.


A local entrepreneur is kicking off preparations to launch a new Del Ray event space with a “Wicked”-themed Halloween party and fundraiser this week.

Lee Raynes, the former owner of Bellies & Babies consignment shop, is hosting the party to preview her next business model, an event space called Together Creative Studio. The party starts at 4 p.m. on Friday at 2603 E. Randolph Avenue.


The Freedom House Museum will reopen to the public Nov. 6 following the completion of exterior rehabilitation work that restored the building’s pre-Civil War appearance, the city announced Monday.

The Office of Historic Alexandria will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. at the museum, located at 1315 Duke Street. Experts will be available from 1-3 p.m. that day to discuss details of the renovation work.


With her silky white coat dotted with black spots and delightfully floppy brown ears, Konjet is a head-turner who matches her storybook looks with an equally gentle personality.

The 1-year-old, 63-pound pup has good house manners and previously lived with other dogs, making her a flexible addition to various household types. Whether joining a family or becoming a single person’s devoted companion, Konjet adapts well to her environment.


The Old Town North Community Partnership will host its annual Dogtoberfest celebration Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Montgomery Park, featuring live music, costume contests and activities for pets and families.

Local performer Mike Seti will perform from noon to 1 p.m. as part of the Music in Montgomery Park concert series. The free, pet- and family-friendly event will take place at 901 North Royal St. A rain date is scheduled for Nov. 2.


The Charles E. Beatley Jr. Central Library is launching a four-week cultural exchange program that will culminate in a virtual meeting between Alexandria students and their counterparts in Seoul, South Korea.

Stories without Borders: Hello, Seoul!” begins Monday at 6 p.m. at the library’s Story Room and runs through Nov. 10. The program, designed for students in grades 3-5, features weekly sessions exploring Korean culture through stories, crafts, and games.


ALIVE! will host its 44th Annual StepALIVE! Walkathon on Sunday at George Washington Middle School, 1005 Mount Vernon Ave. The event aims to raise $100,000 for families facing food and housing insecurity.

Registration opens at 12:30 p.m., with the walk starting at 2 p.m. A celebration with music, prizes, and frozen custard from Goodies will follow.


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