Vernon Miles | ALXnow

West End home invasion suspects captured on video, police investigating

Published December 7, 2021 at 12:30PM

West End home invasion attempt caught on video. (Via Ring)

The Alexandria Police Department is investigating a home invasion in a West End neighborhood that may have been caught on tape.

In a press release, the police department said they’re investigating a robbery that took place at 5:18 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 4, on the 1400 block of Catlin Drive in the West End.

News

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published December 7, 2021 at 5:00AM

The Daughters of the British Empire Pimm's and Poppies Chapter marches at the 50th annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade in Old Town, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. (staff photo by James Cullum)

George Washington’s Mount Vernon releases first 18th century-inspired beers — “George Washington’s Mount Vernon is releasing its first 18th century-inspired beer. The first two releases are Mount Vernon Virginia’s Porter and Mount Vernon Rye Cask Aged Porter.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Audrey Davis talks about museums and black history in Alexandria — “Audrey Davis, director of the Alexandria Black History Museum, stops by Speak Easy this month.” [Alexandria Times]

News

ACPS says snow days may be a thing of the past in Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Published December 6, 2021 at 3:40PM

Snow at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

The days of making offerings to ancient winter deities in hopes of summoning a snow day could be a thing of the past for Alexandria students. Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) said in a newsletter last week that the schools may continue virtual learning for various winter weather conditions.

ACPS said in a newsletter that school buildings may close as usual, but instruction will continue virtually at home, Alexandria Living Magazine first reported.

News

Torpedo Factory plans go to public engagement one week before City Council review

By Vernon Miles

Published December 6, 2021 at 11:00AM

The Torpedo Factory Art Center in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

The City of Alexandria is sending its Torpedo Factory plans into a public engagement phase that’s been decried by some city commissions as rushed.

The city is hosting virtual public meetings on Thursday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. and Friday, Dec. 10 at noon. Registration is required and each meeting is scheduled to last about an hour. Those wishing to speak on the plans can also do so at the Alexandria Commission for the Arts tomorrow (Tuesday) at 7 p.m.

News

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published December 6, 2021 at 5:00AM

Firestorm Clan marches at the 50th annual Scottish Christmas Walk Parade in Old Town, Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021. (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandrians invited to public meetings regarding Torpedo Factory action plan — “The City of Alexandria, in its commitment to Torpedo Factory Art Center’s long-term viability, has been developing implementation scenarios for the art center’s Action Plan for Vibrancy and Sustainability (Action Plan).” [Zebra]

Libraries distributing COVID testing kits — “News you can use: in partnership with @VDHgov, many library systems across Virginia including Alexandria and Fairfax County are distributing Covid at-home testing kits for FREE. And you don’t even need a library card!” [Twitter]

News

ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

By Vernon Miles

Published December 3, 2021 at 3:30PM

It’s been a busy week of highs and lows in Alexandria, with some big bureaucratic decisions and fundraising paired with some crimes and a fatal car crash.

After a long search, Alexandria picked a new city manager this week: James F. Parajon from Arlington, Texas.

News

Alexandria flood management staff lay out future flood prevention projects and current grant program backlog

By Vernon Miles

Published December 3, 2021 at 2:45PM | Updated December 3, 2021 at 9:14PM

Flooding on lower King Street in Old Town (staff photo by James Cullum)

(Updated 9:10 p.m.) In a fairly sizable newsletter, city staff laid out a sort of “state of flooding” message that lays out the city’s response to recent flooding issues and a longer-term look at infrastructure work in progress and on the horizon.

In a newsletter, staff outlined plans for the grant funding received from the state for flood prevention.

News

Registration for Alexandria’s suite of winter activities starts soon

By Vernon Miles

Published December 3, 2021 at 10:45AM

The Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities has announced a suite of winter activities for locals of all ages starting early next year.

The city has a seasonal rotation of activities, with everything from full sports and activity camps to lighter day-activities. The age range of the activities varies wildly. The full list is available online and broken down by category.

News

VDOT plans to add toll option to Seminary Road/I-395 interchange return

By Vernon Miles

Published December 3, 2021 at 9:45AM

South-facing ramp in the I-395/Seminary Road interchange, image via VDOT

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is hosting a meeting next week to discuss plans to add the option of non-HOV vehicles to access the Seminary Road ramp to I-395, but with a toll.

The ramp would still provide free access to the express lanes for vehicles with three or more occupants but would open up access to vehicles with fewer than three occupants who pay a toll.

News

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published December 3, 2021 at 5:00AM

Arts commission criticizes proposed changes to Torpedo Factory — “The city’s proposals for the future of the Torpedo Factory Art Center have received criticism from artists, and during its Nov. 16 meeting, the city’s Commission for the Arts fired some warning shots as well.” [Alexandria Times]

Alexandria ranks third in national office conversions — “Number of office-to-apartment conversions: 955” [CNBC]

Opinion

Poll: Do you plan on going to the Scottish Christmas Walk this weekend?

By Vernon Miles

Published December 2, 2021 at 3:40PM

Bagpiper at the Scottish Christmas parade (photo via Campagna Center/Facebook)

The Campagna Center is hosting the 50th annual Scottish Christmas Walk Weekend with the iconic parade scheduled for Saturday, Dec.4.

The parade is scheduled to start at 11 a.m. and will be marshaled by Sen. Mark Warner. The event is planned to start at St. Asaph and Queen Streets and end outside City Hall.