News & Photos of Learning Life’s November 7 Launch Party
Learning Life held its launch party on Thursday, November 7, 5:30-8pm, at the Lyceum at 201 S. Washington Street in Alexandria, VA, where Learning Life is based.
In line with our November-December “Buy Local, Learn Local” project promoting learning about Alexandria’s rich history, the event featured:
**An Alexandria history quiz show hosted by the Office of Historic Alexandria’s Director, Lance Mallamo, with prizes
** Learning Life fortune cookies offering not fortunes but Alexandria history questions, with answers at this website
**A scrolling overhead presentation of Alexandria history highlights while live music played during the reception
Caboose Café & Bakery generously served delicious smoked gouda salad, injera bread with spicy lentils, Caesar salad and turkey wraps, a variety of cakes and cookies, and more.
Thanks to all those who came, including Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille, newly elected Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Porter, State House Delegate Rob Krupicka, Alexandria Historical Society President Bill Dickinson, representatives from BB&T Bank, TD Bank, School Readiness Consulting, and many others.
Special thanks to our launch party star sponsors, BB&T Bank, TD Bank, School Readiness Consulting, and the Tell Me Town Foundation, as well as our party sponsors Alphagraphics, and SixHalfDozen.
After Learning Life founder, Paul Lachelier, thanked those assembled for coming, Alexandria Historical Society President Bill Dickinson aptly asked, “what’s next for Learning Life?”
In answer, through December 31 of this year, Learning Life is busy implementing its first projects with our partners — the “Buy Local, Learn Local” project with the Office of Historic Alexandria, and our project with D.C.’s Newseum to promote learning about JFK’s presidency.
We will also be offering our holiday smart cookies in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry flavors in a number of Alexandria stores. The cookies will feature Alexandria history facts and questions, leading to more learning at this website. Stay tuned for more about our JFK project, plus our smart cookies and locations offering them!
In 2014, Learning Life aims to work on new projects to improve health, civic engagement, financial literacy, and more. Stay tuned for more about these projects as they develop. If you’d like to learn more or get involved in these projects, please contact us at inquiries@letlearninglive.org.
Thank you for your support for Learning Life!
“Buy Local, Learn Local” Holiday Discounts in Alexandria, VA through Dec. 31!
This holiday season, through December 31, 2013, Learning Life is promoting both local business and local history in Alexandria, VA, where Learning Life is based.
With support from the Alexandria Market Fund, the Office of Historic Alexandria and local sponsors (see the full list of sponsors below), Learning Life is now offering “Buy Local, Learn Local” wallet cards and tote bags (see the adjoining images) free to area residents.
With these wallet cards and tote bags, area residents benefit from special discounts at participating Del Ray businesses and Alexandria history museums (see participating businesses and museums below, including their discounts and contact info), but only through December 31, 2013. You can pick up your own discount card free at any of the fourteen Del Ray businesses listed below.
Sign up to receive details via email. We’ll send you one “Buy Local, Learn Local” email per week in November and December only (and we won’t share your email with anyone else). Each email offers:
* An Alexandria history fact of the week
* Opportunities to win rewards for learning about local history
* Fun day-out or night-out ideas for the holidays
* The discount and deal details below
In addition, area residents will have the opportunity to win gift certificates to participating Del Ray businesses by takingLearning Life’s five-question Alexandria history quiz. Every week in November and December, a new winner is randomly selected from among those who score an A or B on Learning Life’s five-question Alexandria history quiz. Each week’s winner is announced via our “Buy Local, Learn Local” holiday email. Sign up now!
Details on the Del Ray and Alexandria history museum holiday discounts, as well as the list of our “Buy Local, Learn Local” sponsors follow below. This project was made possible foremost through the support of the Alexandria Marketing Fund.
DISCOUNTS FROM PARTICIPATING DEL RAY BUSINESSES
(now through December 31, 2013!)
Click here to see the fourteen participating Del Ray businesses arrayed on a map, all within easy walking distance of each other.
1) Caboose Café & Bakery Serving American favorites and our heritage’s Ethiopian specialties for nearly a decade — from Ethiopian Injera to fresh-baked artisan breads, sandwiches and delectable cakes there is something for everyone on our diverse menu!
Address: 2419 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
Tel #: 703-566-1283
Hours: Mon-Sat 7am-9pm, Sun 8am-5pm “Buy Local, Learn Local” holiday discount: 10% across the board
2) The Clay Queen Pottery Functional stoneware pottery made by Renee Altman, and ten week wheel-throwing classes
Address: 2303 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
Tel #: 703-549-7775
Hours: Call for hours “Buy Local, Learn Local” holiday discount: 10% off all pottery. Cannot be used in conjunction with any gift certificate.
3) Dairy Godmother Frozen custard and nostalgic treats
Address: 2310 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
Tel #: 703-683-7767
Hours: Sun-Mon 12-9pm, Wedn-Sat 12-10pm, closed Tuesdays “Buy Local, Learn Local” holiday discount: Buy an ice pop, get an ice pop free before 6pm. One daily.
4) Del Ray Pizzeria Southern-style comfort food and craft beer
Address: 2218 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
Tel #: 703-549-2999
Hours: Mon-Thurs 11:30am-10pm, Fri 11:30am-11pm, Sat 10:30am-11pm, Sun 10:30am-10pm “Buy Local, Learn Local” holiday discount: 25% off all specialty pizzas, applies Mon-Fri up to 5pm
5) Del Ray Variety Modeled on the enduring five and dime stores of the past, Del Ray Variety is an upscale shop offering toys, party supplies, helium balloons, arts and crafts, school supplies, greeting cards, gifts, candy, household products, hardware, health and beauty, pet supplies, ice cream and more!
Address: 203 E Custis Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
Tel #: 703-683-2418
Hours: 9am-8:30pm Mon-Sat, 11am-6pm Sun “Buy Local, Learn Local” holiday discount: 10% off ice cream and arts and craft
6) The Happy Tart A gluten-free patisserie. Visit Paris in the heart of Del Ray.
Address: 2307A Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria 22301
Tel #: 571-244-3662
Hours: Tues-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 10am-4pm “Buy Local, Learn Local” holiday discount: Free cupcake with purchase of $10 or more
7) The Healing Tree Your one-stop for massage and wellness in Del Ray
Address: 2101 Mt Vernon Av, Alexandria
Tel #: 703-706-9500
Hours: 10am-7pm Mon-Fri, 10am-5pm Sat, by appointment “Buy Local, Learn Local” holiday discount: $10 off first massage of 60, 75, 90 or 120 minutes
8) Joi Dreams Salon A wonderful little salon serving women, men and children with all types of hair textures with expertise and a personal touch
Address: 2101A Mt Vernon Av, Alexandria VA 22301
Tel #: 703-518-5141
Hours: 8:30am-5:30pm: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat: 7-11am “Buy Local, Learn Local” holiday discount: $5 off men’s haircuts, $15 off women’s, and half off your haircut when you receive a chemical service. Only new clients. One time only. Cannot be combined with other offers. By appointment only, please no walk-ins. Appointments based on availability.
9) Kiskadee A specialty boutique in the heart of Del Ray, offering women’s apparel, shoes and accessories, home, garden & gifts for all occasions.
Address: 2205 Mount Vernon Av, Alexandria, VA 22301
Tel #: 703-549-0813
Hours: Mon-Wedn 10am-5pm, Thurs 10am-7pm, Fri-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm “Buy Local, Learn Local” holiday discount: $10 off any item
10) Nature’s Nibbles Natural food for healthier pets
Address: 2601 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
Tel #: 703-931-5241
Hours: Mon-Fri 11am-7:30pm, Sat 9am-7pm, Sun 11am-7pm “Buy Local, Learn Local” holiday discount: 20% off everything
11) Pork Barrel BBQ Del Ray’s neighborhood barbecue joint
Address: 2312 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
Tel #: 703-822-5699
Hours: Mon-Sun 11:30am-10pm, bar open later
Restaurant: Mon-Sat 11:30am-10pm, Sun 11:30am-9pm
Bar: Sun-Thurs 11:30am-12:30am, Fri-Sat 11:30am-1:30am “Buy Local, Learn Local” holiday discount: 10% off all to-go orders
12) A Show of Hands Locally made craft and art work
Address: 2301 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
Tel #: 703-683-2905
Hours: Tues-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 12-5pm “Buy Local, Learn Local” holiday discount: 10% on any one item, one visit only
13) St. Elmo’s Café
St. Elmo’s the Community Gathering Place offering fresh brewed coffee, baked goods, life music, and much more.
Address: 2300 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
Tel #: 703-739-9268
Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-10pm, Sat 7am-10pm, Sun 7am-6pm “Buy Local, Learn Local” holiday discount: one 1/2 price coffee drink per day.
14)Los Tios Grill A Salvadoran Tex-Mex restaurant specializing in fajitas
Address: 2615 Mt Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301
Tel #: 703-299-9290
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm, Fri-Sat 11am-11pm “Buy Local, Learn Local” holiday discount: Deal varies daily. Show your tote bag or wallet card to the manager to get daily deal.
PARTICIPATING ALEXANDRIA HISTORYMUSEUMS
Click here for a map pinpointing the participating Alexandria history museums below.
1)Archaeology Museum Address: 105 N. Union Street, #327, Alexandria
Tel #: 703-746-4399
Museum hours: Tues-Fri, 10am-3pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1-5pm
Admission: Free
2)The Black History Museum
Address: 902 Wythe St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel #: 703-746-4356
Museum hours: Tues-Sat, 10am-5pm
Admission: $2
3)Fort Ward Museum & Historic Site
Address: 4301 W. Braddock Rd, Alexandria, VA 22304
Tel #: 703-746-4848
Museum hours: Tues-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12-5pm, Park hours: Daily, 9am-Sunset
Admission: Free
4) Friendship Firehouse Museum
Address: 107 S. Alfred St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel #: 703-746-3891
Museum hours: Sat and Sun 1-4pm
Admission: $2
5)Gadsby’s Tavern Museum
Address: 134 N. Royal Street, Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel #: 703-746-4242
Museum tour hours: November-March: Wedn-Sat 11am-4pm, Sun 1-4pm. Last tour 3:45.
Admission: Free
6) The Lee-Fendall House
Address: 614 Oronoco St, Alexandria 22314
Tel #: 703-548-1789
Museum hours: Wedn-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 1-4pm, tours at the top of each hour.
Admission: $4 for adults, $3 for kids ages 5 to 17
7) Living Legends of Alexandria Living Legends of Alexandria is an ongoing, not-for-profit, photo-journalism project to identify, honor and chronicle Alexandria’s recent history makers. For information or to nominate a future Legend, visit the website, or call 703-625-8191.
8)The Lyceum
Address: 201 S. Washington St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel #: 703-746-4994
Museum hours: Mon-Sat, 10am-5pm, Sunday 1-5pm
Admission: $2
9) Stabler-Leadbetter Apothecary Museum
Address: 105-107 South Fairfax St, Alexandria, VA 22314
Tel #: 703-746-3852
Museum hours: Wedn-Sat 11am-4pm, Sun 1-4pm, last tour at 3:45pm
Admission: Free
OUR SPONSORS
Learning Life thanks our “Buy Local, Learn Local” Project sponsors:
Thank You! We Raised the First $4K! Help Us Reach $12K by Dec. 31!
Dear friends,
Thank you for your support! We reached our goal of raising the first $4,000 of our $12,000 goal by October 15. We are now working to raise the remaining $8,000 by December 31.
Last year, I founded Learning Life to help nurture a wider culture of learning by spreading knowledge on the surfaces of everyday life.
Since then, with the help of donors, advisors, volunteers and interns, we have:
1) Launched Learning Life’s interactive website
2) Purchased our first educational products, including smart coasters, napkins and cookies
3) Developed 30+ quizzes on varied topics, with two new quizzes added each month
4) Initiated succinct Q&As with experts on important issues, starting with terrorism
5) Established social media pages through which we disseminate educational content daily
6) Issued a monthly e-newsletter keeping our supporters informed
7) Secured our first partnership with DC’s Newseum to promote learning about JFK’s presidency
8) Won a grant from the city of Alexandria, VA to promote its rich local history and businesses
There’s much more and plenty planned through December, including educational street theater and our launch party on November 7, 5:30-8pm at The Lyceum at 201 S. Washington Street in Alexandria, VA (stay tuned for more details!).
I need your help to keep Learning Life moving forward.
Nearly 3 of every 4 dollars of private funds given to U.S. non-profits every year come from individuals, not foundations or corporations.
Learning Life relies in no small part on individual donations. Your donation will help pay for the launch of our website’s shop page, our trademark application to protect Learning Life’s name, our non-profit incorporation, our November 7 launch party, and planned holiday educational initiatives. Some of these investments will generate revenue, so your donation will go farther.
So, I’ve got an important question for you:
Would you donate $50, $100, $200, or whatever you can afford to help us reach our $12,000 goal by December 31? As of October 15, we are now a third of the way there! With your help, we’ll make it to $12,000 by December 31, and we’ll recognize each of you who donate on our website’s “Our Supporters” page.
You can donate online now here. Or, you can write a check to Learning Life and mail it to Learning Life, P.O. Box 26264, Alexandria VA 22313.
One of Learning Life’s interns this summer, Kane Boynton, worked mostly from Michigan, and is still working with us this fall from the Great Lakes State generating some of our most recent quizzes.
Born and raised in Vermont, Kane Boynton’s passions are business and skiing. Kane has been skiing since the age of 4, and has competed in ski racing internationally, most notably in Chile, France, Germany, and Austria. He is a Vermont Alpine Racing Association U21 State Slalom Champion, and was a member of the Association’s competitive team in 2011-12. Currently, Kane is a member of the University of Michigan Alpine Ski Team, and competes nationally as part of U.S. Collegiate Ski Association All-American teams.
Kane’s passion for skiing has involved him in charitable work. In 2011, he launched an annual ski race involving 250 competitors to raise money for various charities, a fundraising event he still leads every year. Also in 2011, Kane helped Vermont residents clean up their homes and yards after the devastation of Hurricane Irene in the state of Vermont.
Kane pursues his passion for business not only as a major in the subject at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, but as an independent investor, actively and successfully investing in the stock market for the last eight years (which means he started investing at age 11!). Kane’s keen interest in business has also led him to pursue diverse internships, studying battery storage companies and “end-to-end strategy and corporate development strategies” with the publicly traded San Jose solar power company, SunPower Corporation, in summer 2011, then climbing radio and cell phone towers to install and maintain AM/FM radio and cell phone antennas for Prescott Tower Services in Vermont in summer 2012.
Asked why he chose to intern with Learning Life, Kane says Learning Life’s “goal of educating the general public by spreading knowledge on everyday surfaces intrigued me. I was also happy to intern with Learning Life because as a start-up I could directly help and influence its development.”
As one of our summer interns, Kane pursued his interests in research and marketing by drafting a number of Learning Life quizzes, including the seven most recent quizzes posted about Egypt, world geography, international acronyms, U.S. income inequality, U.S. government income and spending, Americans’ spending and savings, and the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). He has also worked on upcoming Learning Life quizzes on a diversity of topics, including U.S. prisons and prisoners, U.S. geography, U.S. presidential history, weights and measurements, financial investment terminology, China, Mexico, heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
Learning Life is grateful to Kane for his help in researching and developing so many of our quizzes current and upcoming. We look forward to working with you further, Kane!
To learn more about interning or volunteering with Learning Life and other ways you can help, contact us at email@learninglife.info.
In line with our November-December “Buy Local, Learn Local” project promoting learning about Alexandria’s rich history, the event featured:
State House Delegate Rob Krupicka, Alexandria Historical Society President Bill Dickinson, representatives from BB&T Bank, TD Bank, School Readiness Consulting, and many others.
We will also be offering our holiday smart cookies in vanilla, chocolate and strawberry flavors in a number of Alexandria stores. The cookies will feature Alexandria history facts and questions, leading to more learning at this website. Stay tuned for more about our JFK project, plus our smart cookies and locations offering them!
