First Lady drops in on George. Activity and security will heighten considerably on Thursday, April 26 at the Mount Vernon Estate for the arrival of guests First Lady Laura Bush and Mrs. Abe, wife of Japans Prime

Minister. Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Abe will enjoy an estate tour and luncheon, a meal which could include the acclaimed Virginia peanut & chestnut soup, reputed to be favored by the Father of our Country.

Alexandria, the world is reading. Alexandria, you are the chosen feature in United Airlines August in-flight magazine Hemisphere which reaches 8 million readers world-wide. Insight Alexandria, a 32-plus page spread, will present our city from the eyes of those who know it best city leaders and residents. In cooperation with partners Alexandria Convention and Visitors Association, Alexandria Chamber of Commerce and the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership, representatives from the magazine will be arriving soon to spend 8 weeks walking and talking with our city. With the need for voices from different city sectors, the chance to be involved in defining our city is real. Reading the current Insight feature on Monterey, Ca. (Hemispheresmagazine.com) may help to underscore project scope and significance. Contact Laura Overstreet at 703-838-4200 to get involved.

Romance lives here. It will come as no surprise to those already intimately acquainted with the cobblestone streets, gas lanterns and historic townhouses seeping with charm that Old Town has recently been lauded for its romantic appeal. High on the senses, Old Town got the romance nod in After Hours Date Night, a new Washingtonian.com weekly feature, pulled from their Single in the City issue. Getting close-up to the artsy action provided by the Torpedo Factory, renting a sunfish at the Washington Marina and a casual lunch at A la Lucia were praiseworthy discoveries included in the article for an original date in greater Washington. Heres to love, Alexandria.

Poetry gets blood moving. U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is an area which goes to sleep after 5 p.m., a fact which keeps city officials lying awake, and its selection as host to the May 5 finale festivities for the week-long Yockadot! Poetics Theatre Festival will yield a welcomed quickening of the heart. Alexandria poet and event organizer Magus Magnus said of the decision to use the PTO building, It was crying out to have something happen there. The festival begins April 26 featuring area poets and events at locations including St. Elmos Coffee Shop and event sponsor, the Del Ray Artisans Gallery. www.yptfest.org

Dont be offended, Oaks.  Lest anyone comb Beverly Hills in search of cedars mentioned in last weeks item on The South Overlook Oaks by John Reardon, About Town would like to acknowledge that oaks were mistakenly referred to as cedars.

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