Today in the West End: Small Business Savvy, Mad Scientist Fun, Get Down and Get Fancy and Local Lawmaker Talks Pot Policy

Editor's Note: The NORML discussion with Del. Rob Krupicka has been rescheduled to Aug. 8.

Happy August everyone. Let's make the most out of the last full month of summer by getting out and enjoying the West End and areas nearby. Here's a few suggestions for what to do today, Aug. 1.

Curious about Carlyle House? You’ve taken out-of-town guests to George Washington’s Mount Vernon Estate, but Alexandria is chock full of other interesting historic houses. Have you been to Carlyle House? It was completed in 1753 by British merchant John Carlyle for his bride, Sarah Fairfax of Belvoir. British General Braddock made the mansion his headquarters in 1755. The house is located at 121 N. Fairfax St. in Old Town Alexandria. Daily tours are available. For more information, call 703-549-5738.

Small business savvy: U.S. Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) is hosting an event designed for small business owners who want to learn more about navigating changes to health care law. The discussion, “Navigating the Affordable Care Act: Make Health Reform Work for Your Company,” takes place Aug. 1 at Alexandria’s Landmark Mall in the community room, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Learn to dance like Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy: Gadsby's Tavern is offering a fun and educational series of English country dance classes in preparation for the annual Jane Austen Ball on Saturday, Aug. 10. A class will be held Aug. 1 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal St. There will also be a class Aug. 8. Reservations are requested. Call 703-746-4242 or go online to http://shop.alexandriava.gov.

Krupicka talks marijuana law, policy: Just days after the Capital City Care dispensary sold its first half-ounce of locally grown, medicinal marijuana in DC, Virginia state Del. Rob Krupicka will be the featured speaker at the next gathering of the Northern Virginia chapter of NORML — the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. Krupicka, an Alexandria Democrat, will speak about marijuana law and policy. Socializing starts at 7:30 p.m. at Bailey's Pub & Grill at Ballston Common Mall. The meeting starts at 8 p.m.

Mad scientist alert: Doktor Kaboom! a.k.a. comedian David Epley is a scientist who enlists kids to help him create and carry out his experiments. He’s at Wolf Trap’s Children’s Theatre-in-the-Woods Friday and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Wolf Trap is located at 1551 Trap Rd., Vienna, Va., 703-255-1868.