Question

Is this a surprise?

Answer

Yes. To add a special touch to this occasion, we plan for this day to be a surprise for our parents. We appreciate your cooperation with this goal.

Question

Regrettably, we’re unable to attend. How can I send a message to Roger and Deborah?

Answer

You can mail your cards to Roger and Deborah care of their son – Jed Bullock, 4005 Westgate Drive, Alexandria, VA 22309 – or email your message to Jed at jed.bullock@gmualumni.org. We will print all messages received by April 5th and present them to our parents on their anniversary day.

Question

Can I come only to the reception and/or prayer service?

Answer

Yes. Certainly, both options are available to suit your schedule and preferences for April 6th. We are touched by your planned presence and welcome you to both events or one or the other. The RSVP reply was needed only for the reception.

Question

What is the appropriate attire?

Answer

Business casual for both the prayer service and reception. We will gather first in a sacred place of worship and then in a historic social and community-focused club. We are guests in both places and the club’s minimum standard dress code calls for dress slacks and polo shirts. Wearing of headgear by men in both the church and club is not permitted. Ladies are permitted to wear hats that are part of business casual (or above) dress or for medical needs.

Question

I already RSVPed with regrets but had a change in plans, can I still come?

Answer

If you already RSVPed with regrets but would like to attend the reception, please get in contact with Jed directly by phone or email ASAP to discuss this possibility.

Question

Are children welcome?

Answer

Yes. Absolutely. Children and families are welcome for this occasion. If they will be attending the reception and seated for the meal, please make sure they were included in your RSVP count. Please contact Jed with any questions.

Question

What time will lunch be served?

Answer

The buffet lunch will be preceded by appetizers. The buffet will open by 1:30 p.m. Guests can begin arriving at the reception at 12:30 p.m. We will wind down the reception around 3:30 p.m. and conclude by 4:00 p.m.

Question

How long is the prayer service and reception?

Answer

The prayer service is expected to last approximately 30 minutes, from about 11:00-11:30 a.m. The reception will follow from 12:30-3:30 p.m. It is about a 20-minute drive and 4.5 miles between the church and the reception venue. There will be little down time between both events considering greetings, photos, and parking, etc., and those attending the prayer service can move directly to the reception thereafter.

Question

Where do I park?

Answer

Prayer Service: There is a large surface parking lot directly in front of St. Louis Church with ample parking. There are multiple buildings at the site; the main Church is the largest brown brick structure with a cross-gabled roof set back from the parking lot toward the left and across from a circle with a bell tower. Reception: There is no dedicated parking for visitors to the Old Dominion Boat Club (ODBC). Guests can park on their own in the for-pay nearby surface lot, as space allows, or in one of the nearby for-pay garages. Of note, the City of Alexandria will be kicking off its year-long celebration of its 275th birthday on the same day at the Waterfront Park next to the Boat Club. As such, parking in the immediate vicinity of the club is expected to be tight and the Prince Street immediately in front of the club will be closed to vehicular traffic. There are four main parking options: - The closest is the “Strand Lot” which charges a sliding $15-$20 fee per vehicle based on demand. You can navigate to Strand Street from its intersection with Duke Street. The intersection of Strand and Prince Streets will be closed to vehicles. - The Hotel Indigo Colonial Parking Garage at 220 S. Union Street which charges a flat daily rate of $17. - The Robinson Landing Colonial Parking Garage at 320 Strand Street which charges a flat daily rate of $17. - Two small parking decks managed by HB Parking located on either side of the street just north of the Boat Club at 110 and 115 South Union Street which charges on an average Saturday a flat daily rate of $15. - Smart-metered parallel parking along adjacent city streets is limited to two hours max, and the rate is $1.75 per hour.

Question

What is the buffet menu?

Answer

The buffet will include a seasonal mixed garden salad with house balsamic vinaigrette, bread, roasted baby heirloom potatoes, local green beans with roasted cherry tomatoes, herb roasted petite fillet of beef, lemon and herb brine roasted chicken, and Italian pasta bake with house made marinara and ricotta salatta (vegetarian option). Dessert will also be served.

Question

What about gifts?

Answer

While unnecessary and not expected, you are welcome to share any gifts with Roger and Deborah as you may desire on this special occasion. You can do so either directly and apart from the reception on April 6th, or bring your gift that day. Most of all we cherish the gift of your friendship and presence in the lives of our parents, and your messages of honor and greetings that you may wish to extend to them on this day. If you are gifted in music or art, and would like to share your gift in song or display during the reception—please get in contact with Jed to make such arrangements.

Question

I have photos or a story to share, how can I get them to you?

Answer

Great! We plan to share a slideshow for the reception. If you would like to share photos for the slideshow and you have not already done so, please email them ASAP to Jed at jed.bullock@gmualumni.org.

Question

How many people do you expect to attend?

Answer

We anticipate a gathering of around 40 family and friends—some of who were present at Roger and Deborah’s wedding 50 years ago. Others, have befriended our parents or become neighbors in recent years. Thus, the gathering will be a beautiful mosaic of family and friends who have entered their lives and extended their friendship and support across the five decades of their marriage.

Question

I have other questions, to whom can I direct them?

Answer

We are here to help make this day as an enjoyable and memorable occasion for our parents and all who have supported them over the years as is possible. Feel free to get in touch with Jed should you have any questions: jed.bullock@gmualumni.org.

Question

How do I access the Old Dominion Boat Club? What entrance do I use?

Answer

We are guests of the Club. You can access the Club from the main entrance at 0 (Zero) Prince Street in Old Town Alexandria, which is the side of the building facing North. Ring the buzzer to the right of the main door to be admitted. Once inside the foyer, please proceed to the ballroom on the 2nd floor. There are stairs and an elevator.