This came across the DRCA list-serv. Note that voting ends on Thursday, February 12th and each household is asked to vote only once:

The “Heart of Del Ray Award” is annually presented by the Del Ray Business Association on Valentine’s Day to the business that serves as the heart and soul of Del Ray. This year we are excited to announce that you, our neighbors, customers and friends will be determining the winner of this prestigious award. Selection should be based on which business best demonstrates their warm and welcoming attitude to the community/customers, their commitment and generosity to the community, and to their overall contribution to what makes Del Ray the best place in the world to live, work and shop! In other words, what business warms your “heart” when you here it’s name?

We congratulate and are honored to list the following five businesses that have been nominated for the “2009 Heart of Del Ray Award”:

1) A Show of Hands

2) Jen Walker, McEnearney & Associates

3) Mind the Mat

4) Salvation Army

5) St. Elmo’s

We ask that you vote for just one business by e-mailing HeartofDelRay@yahoo.com with your vote anytime between February 9th and February 12th. Each household is asked to vote only once.

Once votes are calculated and a winner is determined, a large heart shaped award will be displayed on the winning business the night before Valentine’s Day to greet them Valentine’s Day. We will also notify the various list serves on Valentine’s Day so you can stop by and congratulate the winner.

Last year, citizens of Del Ray asked local businesses if they would extend their hours a few nights a week. Potomac West Interiors has been working with local business owners to develop a program of Thursday evening events in their space.

Please join us on Jan. 22, 7 p.m., at Potomac West Antiques, 1515 Mt. Vernon Ave., Alexandria. As part of our continuing “Thursdays After Dark” lecture program, nutritionist Cindy Lamons-Kerr will discuss current nutrition news as well as the latest strategies for successful weight loss.

Please phone 703-519-1911 or 519-3555 to reserve space.

Jan. 29: Del Ray trainer Gina Fortuna, owner of Beyond Fitness, will discuss ways to stick to a fitness program in the New Year. She will share essential components to include in a compressed workout that can fit into any busy schedule.

I do not have any additional information about these programs, but they are free and open to the public so I’m willing to post them. As a rule, I don’t like to post things that are simply advertisements, but am happy to consider posting about special events, benefits or free activities that are open to all. Unfortunately, I have a long-standing commitment on Thursdays, but if anyone unconnected to the businesses in question wants to leave comments or send reports about the events, I’m sure your neighbors would love to hear more about things happening in the community.

Visit this link for up-to-the-minute info about Thursday’s Turkey Trot 5-miler to benefit Alive!.