Vernon Miles | ALXnow

Pacers Partners with Potomac Running to Provide Shoes During Pandemic

Published May 6, 2020 at 11:30AM | Updated May 6, 2020 at 2:10PM

Running store Pacers, which has a flagship store in Alexandria, announced today (Wednesday) that it is partnering with the Potomac River Running Store and Switzerland based ON Shoes to donate 5,000 shoes to frontline workers and regional organizations impacted by the pandemic.

Pacers and Potomac River Running Store will be in charge of identifying and distributing the stores to individuals or groups impacted by the pandemic. Each store will receive 2,500 shoes of various sizes and types.

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Local Advocates Say Alexandria Needs to Do More to Stop Trash Overflow

By Vernon Miles

Published May 5, 2020 at 4:35PM

One attempted solution to a trash problem in Alexandria has allegedly created another, though the city said it’s working to manage the problem.

In response to the increased demand for recycling services at homes in Alexandria, the city has been encouraging residents to take their surplus recycling materials to a facility at 4251 Eisenhower Ave.

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Vola’s Dockside Grill and Riverside Taco in Old Town Reopen

By Vernon Miles

Published May 5, 2020 at 3:15PM

A pair of waterfront eateries have joined the ranks of other restaurants across the city reopening for takeout and delivery.

Vola’s Dockside Grill and Riverside Taco Company, both located at 101 N. Union Street at the foot of King Street on the waterfront, are reopening today (Tuesday). Both restaurants will be open every day from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

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Poll: Should Virginia Start Reopening the Economy Next Week?

By Vernon Miles

Published May 5, 2020 at 11:30AM

Gov. Ralph Northam announced yesterday that he expects to start reopening businesses in Virginia by next Friday, May 15.

Northam said the eased restrictions would still include changes, like restaurants reopening for dine-in but seating patrons further apart and limiting occupancy.

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Alexandria Restaurants Offer Unique Cinco de Mayo Deals, like Boozy Donuts and Margarita-Grams

By Vernon Miles

Published May 4, 2020 at 5:30PM

Several restaurants around Alexandria are offering specials and deals tomorrow (Tuesday) to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Los Tios at 241 S. Van Dorn Street in Del Ray is offering fajitas for two and tacos with the option to make your own combo. The meals are only available for pick up and can be ordered at 571-982-4937.

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Local Indoor Play Facility Pivots to Online Story Time During Pandemic

By Vernon Miles

Published May 4, 2020 at 4:40PM

Local indoor play facility Scramble may be closed, but the facility is offering story time every Tuesday and Thursday to help families quarantined as home get through the pandemic together.

The books are live-read at 11 a.m. and include small craft activities that participants can do at home.

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Old Town Restaurant Virtue Feed and Grain Reopens for Takeout

By Vernon Miles

Published May 1, 2020 at 2:00PM

Waterfront restaurant Virtue Feed and Grain (106 S. Union Street) reopened Friday for takeout only.

A new menu is compiled from staff favorites with featured entrees including quesadillas, enchiladas, and short ribs with prices around $15. Family meals are also available with options serving three or six.

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As Infected Toll Rises, City Frustrated With Defiance of Social Distancing Restrictions

By Vernon Miles

Published May 1, 2020 at 11:30AM

A busy and bustling Old Town isn’t usually a cause for concern, but during Mayor Justin Wilson’s town hall last night (Thursday), several people said they’ve been alarmed at seeing large numbers of people going around with business as usual in Alexandria.

The continued travel correlates with the increasing amount of new cases popping up in Alexandria, with roughly 50 new cases popping up per day over the latter half of this week. One commenter during the town hall said Old Town looked like a fair last weekend.

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Most Alexandria Boards and Commissions Won’t Meet Until Late Summer

By Vernon Miles

Published April 30, 2020 at 4:35PM

Alexandria City Hall (staff Photo by Jay Westcott)

The City of Alexandria will go another few months before the members of its numerous boards and commissions will set eyes on each other.

At a City Council meeting on Tuesday, City Manager Mark Jinks laid out a calendar that partially pushes back in-person meetings to June or later. While the Council will continue to meet in May, Jinks encouraged most other boards and advisory committees to cancel their meetings.

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City Council Passes ‘Hunker Down’ Budget With ‘Dreams Deferred’

By Vernon Miles

Published April 30, 2020 at 11:40AM

At the end of an exhausting emergency budget cycle, the City Council praised the work of staff for throwing together a $753.3 million fiscal year 2021 operating budget that fills a steep funding shortfall without curtailing city services.

In a 45 minute Zoom meeting, the City Council unanimously approved the budget with little discussion, following a week without any additions or deletions.

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Alexandria Department Heads Lay Out Dire Needs, Recovery Path for City Services

By Vernon Miles

Published April 29, 2020 at 4:35PM

Alexandria City Hall (staff photo by James Cullum)

The City Council is figuring out who in Alexandria needs the most assistance through the coronavirus pandemic — and how to get them aid.

City Manager Mark Jinks is expecting roughly $20 million in federal assistance, all of which must be allocated to new programs not in previous budgets and must be spent this year. In a Tuesday night meeting, Council discussed grants and funding needs with various department heads, starting with some of the most basic necessities.