Gloria Perry says she feels young again.
This morning (Nov. 10), more than a dozen students from St. John Paul the Great Catholic High School visited Perry and the seniors at St. Martin de Porres Senior Center in Alexandria’s West End. The work is part of the Catholic Diocese of Arlington’s second annual Week of Service, which sends students from Catholic schools across the diocese to more than 125 charitable projects from Northern Virginia to the Northern Neck, Fredericksburg and Winchester.
About six years ago, John Magri and Adam Froemming met while coaching their boys in Alexandria Little League. Now they’ve teamed up for a new pitch to the community: a place to practice indoors year round.
The veteran-owned D-BAT ALX West End opened Nov. 2 at 6200 D Little River Turnpike just outside city limits in Lincolnia. The 15,000-square-foot facility includes 10 batting cages, three machines throwing baseballs and softballs at varying speeds, five cages for hitting and infield lessons, two dedicated pitching lanes and a Rawlings and Easton pro shop.
Before the pandemic, I ran a Reddit forum that brought people together for local happy hours. It became a great outlet for an in-person social life: you could get out, get to know people nearby, and have a familiar group to spend time with. I enjoyed being the person who helped make that happen.
Getting people together became harder after the pandemic. Friends moved away, had kids, or settled into different routines, and organizing a night out took more effort. I still wanted that camaraderie, but having people to invite didn’t necessarily mean we could get something on the calendar.
I’m in my late 30s and live in Old Town. About a year ago, I joined Choros, a local membership community that helps guys build friendships through small-group activities. Since then, I’ve been to close to 50 hangouts, and it’s given me a regular group of guys to do things with around Alexandria and beyond.
I host board game nights and help host a monthly happy hour at the Commodore in Old Town. I’ve done escape rooms on King Street, trivia, food festivals in Del Ray, movie discussions, and Dungeons & Dragons (which can be especially tricky to get going as an adult with a busy schedule). Having that variety means I can find something that fits my mood and schedule, and there are usually familiar faces when I get there.
One of my favorite things, though, is getting on my bike, picking a destination, and making a day of it. Through Choros, I’ve found a consistent crew to ride with almost every month. That’s the kind of thing I wanted more of: people who enjoy the same stuff and make time to get out and do it together.
I still like hosting and bringing people together. What makes Choros useful is having a community to draw from, so every plan doesn’t depend on the same few friends being available. Other guys suggest and host things too, which gives me plenty of opportunities to join something without organizing it myself.
Over time, seeing the same guys at different activities builds familiarity. You have conversations to pick back up and another reason to make plans together. That’s how it’s become a circle of friends for me.
If you’re in Alexandria, check out Choros and come to one of our monthly happy hours at the Commodore. I’d be happy to meet a few more neighbors, whether you’re into board games, bike rides, or just getting out for a drink. There’s plenty happening here, along with activities throughout the rest of the D.C. area.
Italian restaurant Floriana will make its debut in Alexandria not long after closing its longtime D.C. location.
The Italian restaurant is leasing space in the Atrium Building at 277 S. Washington Street, replacing a vacancy left by Virginia’s Darling and Mae’s Market. The new location is co-owned by Jamie Branda and Dino Tapper, son of restaurant founder Floriana Nestore.
Dear Members:
Following the 2026 NAACP Election Procedures, the Alexandria Branch of the NAACP held a General Membership meeting on Thursday October 22, 2026. The purpose of the meeting (in part) was to select candidates for branch officers including President, First Vice-President, Second Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary and at-large members of the Executive Committee positions.
Alexandria city government and its public school system are embarking on a six-month collaboration to develop recommendations for increased funding from the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The team-up comes as the Virginia Department of Education is slated to start a two-year study on revamping the state’s formula for funding local K-12 public schools. VDOE will soon select a consultant and the project will begin in January.
StoryWorx: Workhouse's First Ever FREE Book Festival
Sat, Nov 14 | 11 a.m.–5 p.m. | Lorton, VA
Meet bestselling authors Angie Kim (Happiness Falls), 4× NFL Pro Bowler Ken Harvey (first-ever dramatic reading), and Emmy-winning WUSA9 anchor Wisdom Martin, plus Marcie Atkins, Omar Abed, Ellen R.B. Smith, and more for panels, signings, poetry, and workshops. Kids' Corner features author readings, crafts, and storytime. Browse the artisan market, catch a live Upstart Crow podcast, and explore the Workhouse galleries and artist studios—all part of Second Saturday.
Alexandria will mark Veterans Day on Wednesday (Nov. 11) with its annual ceremony and various schedule changes and closures.
The city and Friends of Rocky Versace will host the Veterans Day ceremony at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Avenue). The one-hour indoor ceremony will include patriotic music, a name reading of Alexandria’s 68 Vietnam War fallen servicemembers, and recognition of Gold Star families and military veterans attending. Qualified veterans can also receive the DoD Vietnam Era Veterans Lapel Pin.
On This Day in Alexandria History — “On November 10, 1900, the Alexandria Golf Club, located on Shuter’s Hill, hosted its first tournament. Golf course designer Robert White of Cincinnati had laid out the links that fall, and the following year a clubhouse was built. Entrance fees at the nine-hole course were $5 for men and $3 for women.” [Historic Alexandria]
City Council to Meet This Evening — City Council’s meeting begins at 5:45 p.m. at the Del Pepper Community Resource Center. Items of note on the agenda are a state of the economy update, Cameron Run update, recommendation from the School Board election reform ad hoc committee, consideration of the legislative agenda for the General Assembly, and expanding youth helmet requirements. [City of Alexandria]
Skepticism Over Deactivated Flock Cameras — “The city officially decommissioned its 61 Flock cameras Oct. 30 following months of public pushback over privacy and surveillance concerns. But video recorded by an Alexandria resident appears to show the cameras continuing to activate in response to passing traffic. Alexandria police insist that the cameras are no longer recording or collecting data.” [WUSA9]
DASH Board Chair Seeks Options to Repay City — “Chair David Kaplan described the request in a Nov. 7 letter from the Alexandria Transit Company board to Mayor Alyia Gaskins, City Council and City Manager James Parajon. The letter and its two attachments are posted with the materials for the board’s Nov. 12 meeting. The letter also says the costs behind DASH’s $5.9 million fiscal 2027 shortfall ‘are costs DASH should have better anticipated when the budget was developed.'” [Alexandria Brief]
Flood Resilience Plan Up for Public Feedback — “The City is seeking public feedback on its draft Flood Resilience Plan through Tuesday, Dec. 1. The plan is intended to guide future work to reduce flooding and make neighborhoods more resilient. According to the City’s October announcement, the draft incorporates flood-risk assessments, potential infrastructure projects and community feedback.” [The Zebra]
AWLA Shares Need for Paper Bag Donations — “We use paper and reusable shopping/grocery bags to package up Pet Pantry and AniMeals orders for pets and pet parents in our community. You can donate any and all paper/reusable bags (grocery bag size or larger please) at the shelter Monday through Friday 9 am – 7 pm or Saturday and Sunday from 9 am – 5 pm. We’re located at 4101 Eisenhower Ave, Alexandria, VA 22304.” [Animal Welfare League of Alexandria/Facebook]
Volunteers Sought for Alexandria Turkey Trot — “Every Thanksgiving morning, the Alexandria Turkey Trot brings thousands of runners, families and visitors to Del Ray, making it one of the neighborhood’s biggest traditions and an important event for the Del Ray Business Association.” [Del Ray Business Association]
A Wrap on Community Fire Academy — “We recently celebrated the graduation of our Fall 2026 Community Fire Academy cohort! The academy provides community members with an opportunity to learn about fire safety, emergency medical response, and the history, administration, and daily operations of an urban fire department. We appreciate their commitment to learning, community engagement, and public safety.” [Alexandria Fire Department/Facebook]
New License Requirements for Young Drivers — “Beginning January 1, 2027, Virginians ages 18 to 20 applying for their first driver’s license will need to meet new licensing requirements. Under the new law, applicants must hold a learner’s permit for at least 90 days and complete an approved driver education course before receiving their license.” [Virginia DMV]
New Concourse Revealed at Dulles International Airport — “Concourse E will provide additional space for airlines and travelers as the airport experiences record passenger growth, the airports authority said. The 435,000-square-foot facility features 14 gates, expanded seating areas, upgraded restrooms and direct access to the airport’s AeroTrain system.” [WTOP]
VDOT Prepares for Winter Weather Season — “Though preparations begin in the summer, it’s this time of year crews focus on inspecting snow-fighting equipment and ensuring materials and drivers are ready for the first forecasted flakes of snow.” [Virginia Department of Transportation/ARLnow]
It’s Tuesday — Sunny with a high near 68 and a southwest wind at 3 to 7 mph. Tuesday night will be clear, with a low around 44 and a northwest wind at 3 to 5 mph. Veterans Day will be mostly sunny, with a high near 66 and calm winds becoming southerly around 5 mph in the afternoon. [NWS]
There’s more local news to explore. Check out WSHnow, with stories from around the region.
Good Monday evening, Alexandria. Here’s a look back at today’s most-read stories and a look ahead to tomorrow.
Everything else we published today, Nov 9, 2026.
Old Town Strength Studio for 50+ Opens 5 Spots in Members-Only Year-End Challenge
Revolutionary Fitness, the strength and longevity training studio for people over 50 at 215… [Announcement]
A New Source for News, Events, and More in Alexandria, VA
The NOVA Guide has launched, giving Alexandria residents a new source for local news, upcoming… [Announcement]
John Hopkins-Gillispie Running for NAACP Alexandria Branch President
At its October general membership meeting, the NAACP Alexandria Branch 7043 Nominating Committee… [Announcement]
NAACP Alexandria Branch Elections Announcement
Dear Members: Following the 2026 NAACP Election Procedures, the Alexandria Branch of the NAACP… [Announcement]
Here is what’s going on Tuesday in Alexandria, from our event calendar.
Alexandria Preschool & Kindergarten Fair
Nov 14: Preschool & Kindergarten Fair [Event]
Del Ray Vintage & Flea Market
Nov 14: Free, Open Air Flea & Vintage Market with 70+ Vendors, "Best in VA!" [Event]
StoryWorx Book Festival/ Meet the Authors at the Workhouse Arts Center
Nov 14: Family Friendly Book Festival [Event]
World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims
Nov 15: Northern Virginia Fairfax Families for Safe Streets (NoVA FSS) cordially invites you to attend… [Event]
Sips & Shells: Holiday Oyster Shell Workshop at Hank’s Oyster Bar
Nov 17: Gather your girlfriends for a creative night out in Old Town Alexandria! [Event]
Washington Spirit Alum Meet & Greet + The Amazing Race Watch Party
Nov 18: Meet Washington Spirit alum Joanna Lohman, then stick around to cheer on Joanna and Ali Krieger as they compete on The Amazing Race! [Event]
💡 November Leadership Incubator Weekend, hosted by Shifting Waters Leadership
Nov 19: Shifting Waters Leadership Institute (SWLI) is bringing a new kind of leadership experience… [Event]
Improv Comedy Show with the Auxiliary
Nov 21: Join the Auxiliary Improv for a night of comedy in Old Town, Alexandria VA! [Event]
Submit events, announcements, or home listings to ALXnow.
Today: Alexandria saw a high of 66° at 1:40 p.m. (5° above normal), a low of 48° at 5:55 a.m., no rain and a peak gust of 31 mph.
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 41. West wind 1 to 6 mph.
Tuesday: Sunny, with a high near 69. Southwest wind 2 to 7 mph.
The photo above is from the City of Alexandria’s marina webcam.
Thanks for reading!
City Manager Jim Parajon and his staff laid out a stark budget reality at Alexandria City Council’s annual budget retreat.
As he contends with an estimated $10 million to $15 million budget shortfall in the 2028 fiscal year budget, Parajon is asking all city departments to submit their budget proposals to him with 3% cuts. He’s also asking that Alexandria City Public Schools limit its operating budget transfer request to 2.25% over what was approved in the current budget, amounting to a cap of $7.1 million.
Amid declining student enrollment numbers, an Alexandria city councilman is wondering whether Alexandria City Public Schools should shelve a costly conversion project to handle middle school capacity.
ACPS recently reported that its student population has fallen about 4% since the 2025-26 school year, descending from 15,928 to 15,295 students as of Sept. 30, 2026. The data follows Acting Superintendent Grace Taylor’s unveiling of a proposed $370.6 million Capital Improvement Program budget that exceeds the city’s budget guidance by more than $186 million.
The NOVA Guide has launched, giving Alexandria residents a new source for local news, upcoming events, business stories, and ideas for their next outing.
The website covers news, businesses, and life across Northern Virginia, with a dedicated Alexandria page for readers who want to explore what is happening nearby. It brings together local stories, upcoming events, business features, and Top Picks lists, making it a useful starting point for both everyday plans and weekend adventures.
