Top 5: The Week Ahead in West End Alexandria

Patch loves its readers eight days a week so what better way to show our love than to make sure you know the coolest, hottest and smartest things going on in your neighborhood and around town.

This week, West End Alexandria Patch editors highlight where you need to be and what you need to see this week.

Civic meeting. Don’t roll your eyes, it may or may not lead to a major sports and entertainment complex in your neighborhood. Aquatics center, ice rinks and rock climbing are among just a few of the items on the agenda at the second community meeting of the St. James Group’s unsolicited proposal to build this campus at Hensley Park. The meeting will be held, Monday, July 22 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriott, 2700 Eisenhower Ave.

Hitchcock Film Fest. Celebrities Kanye West and Kim Kardashian recently named their baby North West, undoubtedly inspired by the classic Alfred Hitchcock film "North by Northwest" starring Cary Grant and Eva Marie Saint playing at the Beatley Library, 5005 Duke St., from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Friday, July 26 as part of the library’s Hitchcock Movie Marathon. 

Firehouse Storytime. Educate your kids about firefighters 200 years ago. Its Friendship Summertime Storytime at the Friendship Firehouse Museum, 107 S. Alfred St. 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Saturday. For children ages 6 and older and their caregivers. $4 per child. Reservations are required, Friendship@alexandriava.gov, or 703-746-4994.

Hail to the Redskins! The first team training session open to the public and free of charge happens Thursday at 3:20 p.m. at the Bon Secours Training Center in Richmond. Gates open at 9 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. If you miss them on Thursday, the Skins practice almost daily from Thursday throughout July and most of August. Fans are encouraged to visit www.redskins.com/trainingcamp for information. There are no bleachers, but fans can bring lawn chairs or blankets. A list of available parking lots can be found at www.redskins.com/trainingcamp.

Performance Art. Looking to do something artsy this week? Stop by the Capitol Fringe Festival showcasing exploratory and contemporary performances. It’s going on now and runs through July 28. The festival is being held in a variety of venues in Washington, DC ranging from the Goethe Institut on 7th St., NW to Studio Theatre on 14th St., NW.