Alexandria Jaycees: Have Fun. Do Good!

Do You Tweet?

I consider myself to be a pretty web-savvy woman... I blog, podcast, have many social media profiles, have created RSS feeds, shared photos, and organized meet-ups. So, when I heard about Twitter, I decided to find out more. What I found, I didn't really "get." Sure, the basic concept is easy to understand: you post messages to your own mini-blog (or respond to others' messages) in 140 characters or less.

A Tweet, which these mini-messages are called, can be something like, "I just had the best cuppa joe," "I just signed up for a hatha yoga class," or "Did you see who got kicked off Idol last night?" I thought I must be missing something - who in the world would want to know that I think Kona coffee rocks?

I asked one of my colleagues who Tweets regularly what's in it for her. As it happens, Jill Foster has her own Twitter page and uses it to catch up with friends; but, she also uses it for her social media consultancy. She sends out ideas, questions, comments and the like to her "followers" (those that subscribe to her Twitter feed) and gets real-time client (or potential client) feedback.

Since I don't have a social media-based business, I moved on to other forms of social media to explore. Until today, when someone in the DC Web Women group (which Jill chairs) that I belong to sent out a link to a YouTube video explaining what Twitter is and why I should care.

I'm still not sold on Tweeting, but at least now I "get" it. If you've been wondering what this phenomenon is all about, check out the video.

Thanking Mom

I loved this list and thought you might, too... if you want more, visit the source: Mother's Day Celebration.

Mother's Dictionary of Meanings

• Dumbwaiter: One who asks if the kids would care to order dessert.
• Feedback: The inevitable result when the baby doesn't appreciate the strained carrots.
• Full Name: What you call your child when you're mad at him.
• Grandparents: The people who think your children are wonderful even though they're sure you're not raising them right.
• Hearsay: What toddlers do when anyone mutters a dirty word.
• Independent: How we want our children to be for as long as they do everything we say.
• Puddle: A small body of water that draws other small bodies wearing dry shoes into it.
• Show Off: A child who is more talented than yours.
• Sterilize: What you do to your first baby's pacifier by boiling it, and to your last baby's pacifier by blowing on it and wiping it with saliva.
• Top Bunk: Where you should never put a child wearing Superman jammies.
• Two-Minute Warning: When the baby's face turns red and she begins to make those familiar-grunting noises.

Voices

Blogs give any of us a chance to put our thoughts out there and share what we know; ask readers to share what they know; and highlight interesting facts, photos or stories.

Here are some voices in the Northern Virginia area:

• Urban Places and Spaces. Thought not the exclusive focus of this blog, the NOVA area is covered. "This blog focuses on historic preservation, urban design, transportation, asset-based community development, arts & cultural development, commercial district revitalization, tourism & destination development, and quality of life advocacy.
• Washington Times blogs. Several blogs, covering politics, general news, religion, technology, culture, and sports.
• Northern Virginia Daily. Political coverage of Virginia.

Stay tuned... I'll be adding to this list!

And... is there a NOVA blog you follow? Use the comment form to share!

The "Home Run" Weekend: Four Volunteering Opportunities April 25-27

There are dozens of local charities and organizations the Alexandria Jaycees volunteer for – including Rebuilding Together Alexandria, ALIVE!, The Carpenter’s Shelter and NOVAM – so by joining the Jaycees you get to make a real difference for all of these charities and more.

In fact, the weekend of April 25-27 is what we call the "home run" weekend - and you're welcome to join us at any of these events (without having to join). Just email me and I'll provide details about where to meet and how to find the Jaycees.

April 25 - ALIVE! 6:30-7:30 PM. We'll be unloading a truck containing food, which gets distributed to those who need it the following Saturday morning. It only takes about an hour. ALIVE! is Alexandria's largest "safety net" for families and individuals in need.

April 26 - Rebuilding Together Alexandria. 8 AM – 3 PM at the Carpenter's Shelter (Alexandria's homeless shelter) - 930 N. Henry Street, Alexandria, VA 22313. We have been assigned to help the Carpenter's Shelter with some yard work, including trimming, weeding and spreading new mulch in the front yard and playground. Come out, have fun and do good! If you are interested in this event, or want more information please contact Mike Gallagher via email or 703-965-0481.

April 26 - IMAGINE Dinner. 6 PM - 12 AM, email Amy for the location of the dinner party. Later that evening, participants will gather with guests and volunteer hosts from other dinner parties at the Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town Alexandria for dessert, drinks, dancing, and a silent auction. The $30 suggested contribution per attendee on the event will be the ticket to the entire event, which benefits the Northern Virginia AIDS Ministry (NOVAM).

April 27 - Carpenter's Shelter Cookoff. 2:30 PM - 5 PM.The Birchmere, 3701 Mt. Vernon Avenue, Alexandria VA 22305. Proceeds from the cookoff will be used to support the Carpenter's Shelter for homeless children, families, and adults. NEEDED: 5-10 volunteers to assist with clean up (starting around 2:45 pm, lasting for approximately 30-45 minutes). Volunteers gain free admission (a $40 value!). Contact Amy to help.

Cathy's "Great Places to Eat": Satay Sarinah

Yummy. As the name implies, the satays at Satay Sarinah are the highlight of the menu - chicken and beef are my faves but they have lamb, tofu and shrimp too, with Jasmine rice. I discovered this Indonesian restaurant during one of the Alexandria Jaycees' "International Nights" - periodic (for awhile we met monthly) dinners out at ethnic food restaurants around the area.

The restaurant is in the shopping center near Giant and the Dunkin' Donuts on Van Dorn - 512 S. Van Dorn Street [Directions]. Washingtonian magazine named Satay Sarinah among their top cheap eats in 1999, 2003, 2004, and 2005. The staff is great, and will tell you about their experiences growing up in Java or Bali. Check it out!

Volunteer for Life... an Hour at a Time

"Volunteering doesn't have to be a one-time experience. For many, it's a lifetime activity." While I can't pin down the exact source of this quote, I know there are millions of people across the globe who share this sentiment. Why do so many give their time and try to make a difference in others' lives? I think it's the chance to make a real connection with other human beings - and valuing that connection.

What I see in the majority of the volunteers I've worked with is not an "us" and "them" mentality, but a "we." As in, we're all in this together and we're all responsible for helping one another when we need it and celebrating our joys and successes as well.

All of my colleagues in the Alexandria Jaycees, for instance, believe that the chance to make a real difference in someone's life - whether by teaching him to read, helping her feed their family for a few days, or even just listening to her - is in and of itself a gift. And, I can't tell you how much it's meant to me in my own life when I've received the gift of someone's attentive kindness when I just needed to talk.

I'm inspired almost daily by the Jaycees I know. They give so much of themselves - not just their time and talents (which are considerable gifts) but of their compassion and empathy. And their joy.

And, it's not just through organized volunteer groups that I see the incredible gift of caring and moments of true connectedness given - I see it in the daily kindnesses volunteered to co-workers, family and friends who need a hand or an ear; to strangers on the Metro; to people standing in line at the grocery store; and to people you run across in the course of your everyday routine.

But, I think belonging to a volunteer group, whether it's the Jaycees or some other organization, increases the impact you can make.  There are so many ways to get involved - not only through the Alexandria Jaycees or Arlington Jaycees (or any other chapter of the Jaycees) but by searching (by zip code or your interest area, such as helping children - or by your skill sets) Volunteermatch.org or the Alexandria Volunteer Bureau (AVB). All of these websites have volunteer opportunities for numerous Alexandria organizations, such as ALIVE!, Rebuilding Together Alexandria, the Campagna Center, and the Red Cross.

It's an incredibly wonderful feeling to know that you're making a difference in the lives of Alexandrians - even if you can only give a few hours per month. One of the best things I get out of being a Jaycee is that I have an opportunity to give an hour a month - or a couple of hours a week some months - to connect with people in all walks of life. How are you connecting with others in your life?

Podcast Episode 1: Blogs

As I prepare for the seminar I'm teaching tonight for the Alexandria Jaycees, "Blogs, Podcasts & Wikis, Oh My!" it occurred to me that I should record a podcast series, with each episode focused on one of those topics, to demonstrate the concepts.

This podcast episode [Download bpw-1blogs.mp3 ] focuses on blogs: what they are and how they differ from websites. It's 2 minutes and 45 seconds long, and unfortunately, since I'm recovering from a cold, my voice sounds a tiny bit hoarse.

I suspect it will be helpful now to define what a podcast is! A podcast is simply an audio file that can be listened to online or via your MP3 player, while you’re commuting, working out, or just multi-tasking. Podcasts include songs, seminars, and even performances, such as stand-up comedy or concerts. Enjoy!

Sets in the City

Volleyball, anyone?  I don't know about you but I'm not into your typical Winter sports, like skiing, snowboarding, etc. But - volleyball. That's a different story! I bet you didn't know that the City of Alexandria runs several co-ed adult sports leagues throughout the year.

I've played in the recreational division of the City's volleyball league, and it's a fun way to get some exercise and meet new people. And, of course, hitting the bar after our weekly game is a great way to unwind!

Even if you've not played much before, you can join the recreational division (there is a competitive division for experienced players). To participate, you must sign up to be part of a team; there is a team fee that usually breaks out to about $50 per person per season. If you're not a City resident, there is a $25 extra charge.

The City does keep a list of people not affiliated with a team, so you can form a new team if you'd like - though my friend Chris is looking for some new teammates, and the Spring '08 season is here. The season runs April 7 through mid-June for playoffs, so if you're interested, email him a.s.a.p.

Who knows? You might just discover Sets in the City, the Joy of Sets, the Netminders, Serves for Life, Scared Hitless...

Cathy's "Great Places to Eat" : Mancini's Cafe & Bakery

Mancini's Cafe is located on Del Ray Avenue in Alexandria, Va. Two words: the brunches. Let me repeat - the brunches!! Owner/chef Barbara Mancini develops new menus for each weekend, and since I've been going to her restaurant, about 3 years now, I have to say there are 3 or 4 unique and tasty combinations of eggs, fruit, and french toast available every week - yum! My favorite (unfortunately for my waistline) is the red, white & blue french toast - usually on the menu around the fourth of July - it's french toast with strawberries, blueberries... and whipped cream.

Mancinis's is on the corner of Del Ray Avenue and East Monroe [Directions], very close to Potomac Yards. For me, this makes Mancini's not only a great stop for brunch Saturday mornings - after enjoying the greens and yellows, flowers and plants that make eating at the restaurant an whimsical experience - a great access point to Potomac Yards Shopping Center, so I can visit Target, Barnes & Noble and even go see a movie.

And, even on days when I don't want to go out I can get some of the homemade lasagne, baked ziti, chicken pot pie, chicken parmesan, and so much more... one of her half-pans can gives me a bunch of meals I freeze for later. Love that catering menu!! I haven't yet stopped by at lunch or dinner time... but I hear the menu choices are also outstanding.

Let me know what you think!

Jaycees to Jobs: Network, Network, Network

In the real estate market, Realtors repeat this mantra - Location, Location, Location - all the time. It's often a key motivator for buyers in selecting their next home and for sellers in setting a competitive price.

In a job search, the mantra job seekers need to practice is - Network, Network, Network. Some studies show high percentages of jobs - up to 60% in some cases - are found by networking. A friend of a friend might hear about a job opening that hasn't yet been advertised; someone you volunteer with may be searching for someone for a job opening within their company; or your college alumni association may have a job board.

In the past two years I've hired 6 Jaycees from my Chapter for temporary or permanent positions. And, of course the Jaycees offer dozens of chances not only to meet potiential employers, but potential friends as well. During the "Rebuilding Together Alexandria" project, for instance, I saw lots of groups of volunteers talking animatedly and laughing from the belly - you know, those great and geniune laughs that come out when we connect most with those around us (click here to see). Since then, I've seen that same group of people get together on other projects or just going out for dinner.

Where do you start to network? Here's a great overview and action checklist of things you can do to begin using your network to search for a job. The bottom line - create a plan for assessing and developing your network (ideally before you really need it) don't be shy about asking friends, co-workers, etc. for advice, information and referrals.

The Alexandria Jaycees provide over 100 opportunities per year to adults aged 21-40 to meet new people - whether through attending an event, participating in a training seminar, chairing an event or serving on the board of directors. The cost to join is low enough to consider budgeting it - not only for the potential job network but the potential to meet new friends, get to know the Alexandria area, and give back to the community.

Here's a detailed overview from the Wall Street Journal's Career Journal of how to "mine" all of the different places, from your church to industry associations to online networking, that is very helpful.

Need some help in starting conversations? A good basic how-to is How to Start a Conversation and Make Friends, by Don Gabor. He gives an easy-to-read checklist for how to break the ice and keep conversation going.

If you want to read about more in-depth and action-oriented networking, I highly recommend Keith Ferrazzi's Never Eat Alone And Other Secrets to Success, One Relationship at a Time.