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The National Christmas Tree and The Pageant of Peace

The National Christmas Tree and the Washington Monument
The National Christmas Tree and the Washington Monument
The first national Christmas celebrations began in 1913 when President Woodrow Wilson and over 20,000 visitors gathered together at the Capitol with a lighted community Christmas tree that began the national event. In 1923, Vermont’s Middlebury College had presented the first official National Christmas Tree as a gift. It was decorated with 2,500 red, white and green lights and was lit by President Calvin Coolidge on the Eve of Christmas at President’s Park situated to the south of the White House also known as the Ellipse. Through the years, the National Christmas Tree had been relocated to several areas such as in 1923 when it was relocated to Sherman Plaza and to Lafayette Park years after, and was returned to the Ellipse in 1939. On December 17, 1954, President Dwight Eisenhower started the lighting of the National Christmas Tree for the Pageant of Peace, permitting more visitors to view the lighting and celebrating Christmas Eve at home with family. From a single Christmas tree, the National Christmas Tree now is accompanied by 56 smaller Christmas trees representing each state, territory and the District of Columbia. The National Christmas Tree is lit with reflection of the current events such as when the lights were turned off for a moment in support of the American hostages in Lebanon and their families on Christmas Eve in 1985 as instructed by President George H. W. Bush, and the lighting in 2001, when the children of the September 11 attack victims of the Pentagon had assisted in the lighting. An array of trees, such as the Balsam Fir, Fraser Fir, Engelmann Spruce and Red Cedar were constantly donated for the event till 1973, when the National Arborist Association then donated a 42 foot blue spruce intended as a permanent National Christmas Tree till it began to die and thus a 40 foot tall living Colorado blue spruce was donated from Maryland and served as the National Christmas Tree. Standard filament burning bulbs had long ago decorated the National Christmas, then Solar energy was then used in 1995 to light the tree, in 2007 energy efficient LED lights are now used as a reminder to everyone that energy can be saved to decrease carbon footprint. Every year, the tree lighting ceremony begins the festivities of the National Christmas Tree program or “Pageant of Peace”, with re-known performers and a military band and a message of peace by the President dedicated to everyone worldwide. Entertainment and musical performances provided by volunteer choirs, bands and dancers are for free. For the “Christmas Pathway of Peace”, the National Christmas Tree and its accompanying 56 smaller trees shall be lit every night at dusk till 11pm all through the 1st of January. While model trains surrounding the base of the National Christmas Tree are provided by the National Christmas Tree Railroad.

Lake Ridge Park

Lake Ridge Park features a golf course, mini golf course and a marina to the public including arts and crafts, nature, science and scout programs for everyone. Other activities offered at Lake Ridge Park are fishing, boating and hiking while picnics can be held in rented tents and picnic tables. Boating is launched into the Occoquan Reservoir where fishing is permitted at the deepest end. Boats and canoes can be rented at Lake Ridge Park with bait being sold on site. Golfing is enjoyed at the 9 hole course and miniature course with membership and training offered. Lake Ridge Park 12350 Cotton Mill Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22192

Julie J. Metz Wetland Bank

Julie J. Metz Wetland Bank 15875 Neabsco Road Woodbridge VA 22191 Contact Number: 703 792 6666 Julie J. Metz Wetlands Bank offers 227 acres of preserved forested, shrub scrub and emergent wetlands of adventure with an array of wildlife with homes in the marshy areas, situated on the borders of Neabsco Road and Neabsco Creek, just 24 miles south of Washington D.C. A variety of bird species can be seen at Julie J. Metz Wetlands Bank throughout the summer till winter. During the time when John Smith had mapped out Neabsco Creek in 1608 , the surrounding land was of tobacco farming and lumbering. Being the first wetlands bank approved by the U.S Army Corps of Engineers in Northern Virginia, Julie J. Metz Wetlands Bank was named after an environmental scientist, Julie J. Metz. Sightings of great blue herons, wood ducks, mallards, sparrow, red winged blackbirds, gulls, woodpeckers and hawks in Julie J. Metz Wetlands Bank are sought after by visitors along with the views of the river banks. Summer features a large number of songbirds and winter sends an array of grass birds to the grassy and dry area of the wetland. A wood chip and boardwalk nature trail with looping paths provide visitors convenient bird watching at Julie J. Metz Wetlands Bank.

Ben Lomond Regional Park

Ben Lomond Regional Park 7500 Ben Lomond Drive Manassas, VA 20109 Contact Number: 703 361 4451 Ben Lomond Regional Park offers excitement and an array of activities for everyone including their 11 acre Splash Down Water Park situated between Old Town Manassas and Manassas National Battlefield including other expansions and upgrades. The Splash Down Water Park features 5 water areas with 2 4 story water slides, children water slides, lazy river, boat slide, lap pool and zero entry depth beach area including water raindrops and bubblers and pavilions. The trail found at Ben Lomond Regional Park offer suitable hiking – walking path along Bull Run. Ben Lomond Regional Park provides a variety of facilities to enjoy :
  • Updated Soccer Fields
  • Softball Field
  • Tennis Courts
  • Sand Volleyball
  • Horseshoes
  • Playground
  • Picnic Areas
  • Hiking Trails
While Ben Lomond Regional Park provides fun filled activities, the nearby restaurants can provide nourishment after a long day of fun.
  • Great American Buffet at 8365 Sudley Road, Manassas 20109 that serves homemade dishes and baked goods.
  • Red Lobster at 7505 Broken Branch Lane in Manassas 20109 that serves their seafood specialty.
  • Taste Buds at 10421 Balls Ford Road in Manassas 20109 that serves traditional breakfast and lunch meals.

Whole Foods in Northern Virginia

Whole Foods offering natural organic produce
Whole Foods offering natural organic produce
The world’s leader of natural and organic foods, Whole Foods began in 1980 as a small shop with 19 employees in Austin Texas, with now over 270 stores throughout North America and the U.K. Whole Foods offers quality, least processed natural foods without sweeteners, preservatives and colorings, while paying forward with contributions from each store to food banks, local non profit organizations and events. Whole Foods began their journey to success by John Mackey and Renee Lawson Hardy of Safer Way Natural Foods and Craig Weller and Mark Silers of Clarksville Natural Grocery. Expansion of Whole Foods commenced in 1984 with stores opening in the West Coast in 1989. In 2002, Whole Foods reached Canada and the U.K in 2004. Whole Foods in Northern Virginia provides utmost convenience for many residents who wish to shop for natural organic food.

Whole Foods stores in Northern Virginia:

Whole Food Market in Old Town - Monday to Sunday: 8am to 10pm 1700 Duke Street Alexandria VA 22314 Whole Foods Market –
Lunch is enjoyed at Whole Foods in the Carlyle District with many USPTO employees patronizing the store
Lunch is enjoyed at Whole Foods in the Carlyle District with many USPTO employees patronizing the store
Monday to Friday: 8am to 10:30pm 2700 Wilson Blvd Arlington VA 22201 Whole Foods Market – Fair Lakes Monday to Friday: 8am to 9pm 4501 Market Commons Drive Fairfax VA 22033 Whole Foods Market – Tysons Monday to Friday: 8am to 9:30pm 7511 Leesburg Pike Falls Church, VA 22043 Whole Food Market – Monday to Friday: 8am to 9pm 11660 Plaza America Drive Reston, VA 20191 Whole Foods Market- Monday to Friday: 8am to 9pm 8402 Old Keene Mill Road Springfield VA 22152 Whole Foods Market- Monday to Friday: 8am to 9pm 143 Maple Avenue East Vienna VA 22180 Whole Foods Market- Monday to Saturday: 8am to 10pm Sunday: 8am to 9pm 300 Shoppers World Court Charlottesville, VA 22902

The Lee Community Center and Senior Center

Lee Community Center and Senior Center at 5722 Lee Highway in Arlington VA 22207, operates on: Monday to Friday: 9:30am to 6pm Saturday: 9:30am to 5pm For more details about their facilities and programs please contact 703 228 0550. Facilities offered at Lee Community Center and Senior Center:
  • Multi-purpose Room
  • Meeting Room
  • Game Room
  • Art Studios
  • Gymnasium
  • Playgrounds
  • Outdoor Basketball Courts
  • Soccer Field
  • Baseball/Softball Diamond
  • Computer Room for Seniors Only
Programs Offered at Lee Community Center and Senior Center: Computer Programs for Senior Adults: Monday to Friday: 10am to 3pm Lee Arts Center: Monday and Friday: 9:30am to 6pm Tuesday to Thursday: 9:30am to 9pm Saturday: 9:30am to 5pm The Lee Arts Center offer activities:
  • Ceramics
  • Printmaking
  • Pottery
  • Tile Making
Workshops are offered with instruction from guest master artists in 1 to 3 days schedules. An exhibition area is also allotted for a mini gallery proving local and national artists the honor of showing their work in solo or group shows every year.

The Lubber Run Community Center

Lubber Run Community Center 300 N. Park Drive Arlington VA 22203 Contact Number: 703 228 4712 Lubber Run Community Center hours: Monday, Thursday and Friday: 9am to 6:30pm Tuesday: 9am to 8:30pm Wednesday: 9am to 9pm The Lubber Run Community Center features their facilities that are used for recreational and social activities by the community residents, including a preschool program among many others. Facilities at Lubber Run Community Center:
  • Multi-purpose Room
  • 3 Meeting Rooms
  • Game Room
  • Playgrounds
  • Picnic Area
  • Outdoor Basketball Courts
  • Volleyball Court

The Madison Community Center

Madison Community Center 3829 N. Stafford Street Arlington, VA 22207 Contact Number: 703 228 5310 Madison Community Center hours: Monday: 9am to 9pm Tuesday to Thursday: 9am to 1pm and 5pm to 9pm Friday: 9am to 5pm Saturday: 9am to 1pm The Madison Community Center provides an array of activities for its community members such as a broad fitness program extending from weight lifting to Tai Chi and Pilates. With its well equipped Fitness Center, the Madison Community Center also offers senior adults of 55 years of age and above, personal training all through the year. Aside from the preschool program offered, Madison Community Center also features their Madison Center Cooperative Playgroup for children aged 1 to 5 years that is operated by parents and funded by parents. Facilities offered at Madison Community Center:
  • Multi-purpose Room
  • Game Room
  • Dance Studio
  • Gymnasium
  • Fitness Center
  • Playgrounds
  • Outdoor Basketball Courts
  • Soccer Field
  • Par Course

The Thomas Jefferson Community Center

Thomas Jefferson Community Center hours: Monday to Friday: 6:25am to 10pm Saturday: 8am to 6pm Tuesday and Thursday – Adult Nights: 6:30pm to 10pm (Youth below 18 years of age are not allowed except in the Game Room till 10pm) Thomas Jefferson Community Center engages its community with an array of activities for everyone through their facilities. Game Room:
  • 3 Pool Tables for General Use
  • 1 Adult Pool Table
  • 2 fooseball Tables
  • 1 Air Hockey
  • 3 table Tennis Tables
  The Thomas Jefferson Community Center highlights their Fitness Center that provides personal training and an array of sports activities is well equipped with conveniences such as:
  • Indoor Track
  • Indoor and Outdoor Basketball Courts
  • Volleyball Court
  • Cybex and Nautilus
  • Weight Equipment
  • Outdoor Fitness Trail
  • Outdoor Tennis Court
  • Locker Rooms
  • Showers
  • Saunas
The Thomas Jefferson Community Center’s Art studio also offers workshops and more with their pottery, photography, jewelry and wood working programs. Facilities of Thomas Jefferson Community Center:
  • Meeting Room
  • Game Room
  • Art Studio
  • Fitness Center
  • Gymnasium
  • Indoor Track
  • Playgrounds
  • Outdoor and Indoor Basketball Courts
  • Outdoor Tennis Court
  • Fitness Trail
  • Soccer Field
  • Par Course
Thomas Jefferson Community Center 3501 2nd Street S. Arlington VA 22204 Contact Number: 703 228 5920

The Walter Reed Community Center and Senior Center

The Walter Reed Community Center and Senior Center was constructed and designed as a ‘Green’ building meeting the LEED silver standard. It features an 18,000 green roof for storm water management, while natural light is widely used in many rooms. Other materials used in the construction of the building include wheat board, cork, bamboo and other recycled/sustainable products. Walter Reed Community Center and Senior Center hours: Monday to Thursday: 8:30am to 10pm Friday: 8:30am to 9pm Saturday: 8am to 5pm Sunday: 1pm to 7pm Facilities of Walter Reed Community Center and Senior Center:
  • Multi-purpose Rooms
  • Meeting Rooms
  • Game Room
  • Gymnasium
  • Playground
  • Picnic Area
  • Basketball Court
  • Outdoor Tennis Courts
  • Computer Room
  • Wi-Fi Access
The Programs offered at Walter Reed Community Center and Senior Center:
  • Elementary After School
  • Teen
  • Senior Adults (55 years of age and above)
  • Connections Café for Post Retirement Opportunities for Adults
  • Volleyball
  • Basketball
  • Pickleball
  • Family Playtime
  • Open Workouts
Walter Reed Community Center and Senior Center 2909 16th Street S. Arlington VA 22204 Contact Number: 703 228 0935