Arlington-Alexandria news in brief - The Washington Post Residents, property owners, developers, architects and other members of the design community may submit entries through Dec. 2. Eligible projects must have been completed within the past 10 years and may fall into any of the following categories: residential, commercial, institutional/civic, historic preservation/building rehabilitation, public art and open space. For information about the process, submission requirements and entry forms for the awards, visit www.arlingtonva.us. Alexandria hires Kevin D. Edwards as chief information officer Kevin D. Edwards has been hired as Alexandria's chief information officer and director of the Department of Information Technology Services, City Manager Rashad Young said. Edwards brings more than 20 years of experience with federal and local government agencies to the job, a statement said. "We look forward to Kevin's strong leadership," Young said. He's a results-oriented leader with a proven record in IT project management and enterprise systems implementation. Edwards is scheduled to start work Dec. 1. Arlington emergency shelter is open for the winter The Arlington County emergency winter shelter has opened for the 2013-14 season. The shelter, which houses up to 74 people and provides food, showers and laundry facilities, will remain open through March 31. The facility, with hours of 4 p.m. to 9 a.m. daily, is at 2049 North 15th St. This is the shelter's final year of operation: It will be replaced by Homeless Services Center, scheduled to open next fall. For information about the shelter, call 703-228-1300. To volunteer, contact Sarah Morse at 703-842-0168 or visit the Arlington Street People's Assistance Network Web site, www.a-span.org. County proclaims November as AWLA appreciation month To coincide with National Animal Shelter Appreciation week, the Arlington County Board last week declared November "Animal Welfare League of Arlington Shelter Appreciation Month." "Arlington County has had a long commitment to the humane treatment of animals in partnership with the Animal Welfare League of Arlington," Jay Fisette, vice chairman of the board, said in a statement. With its innovative programs and tireless advocacy efforts, AWLA operates as one of the top open admission shelters in Virginia, exceeding national standards and serving as a model for other animal shelters throughout the commonwealth. For information on how to support the shelter, including adoption information and how to foster a shelter animal, visit www.awla.org. Literacy program seeks donations of books The Alexandria-based DreamDog Foundation is seeking help from the community for its citywide literacy program, the Alexandria Book Shelf, which provides free books to needy children. Gently used books can be donated at the following sites: ACT for Alexandria, 1421 Prince St.; Hooray for Books, 1555 King St.; the Mount Vernon RECenter, 2701 Commonwealth Ave.; CrossFit Gym, 805 North Royal St.; and Local Motion Studio, 2377 South Dove St. For information about the program, visit www.dreamdog.org .