Vernon Miles | ALXnow

George Washington Birthday Parade marching through Old Town this weekend

Published February 12, 2025 at 2:55PM

General George Washington waves at the George Washington Birthday Parade in Old Town, Feb. 19, 2024 (staff photo by James Cullum)

A parade this weekend in Old Town will celebrate America’s first Commander-in-Chief: George Washington.

The parade is scheduled for 2-4 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15. The theme this year is commemorating the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War.

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So, how much snow did Alexandria get?

By Vernon Miles

Published February 12, 2025 at 1:50PM

Snow in Arlandria on Feb. 11 (staff photo by James Cullum)

The region saw a flurry of snow last night, but with temperatures warming up much of that is already melting.

In all, the National Weather Service said Alexandria accumulated 6.4 inches, roughly average for the area but slightly less than neighboring Hybla Valley’s 8.5 inches (in the city’s defense, it’s cold out).

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Alexandria Animal Welfare League waiving adoption fees for big dogs for ‘Big Love Adoption Weekend’

By Vernon Miles

Published February 12, 2025 at 11:30AM

Yako, a dog available for adoption at the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (photo via AWLA)

The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (AWLA) is looking to connect locals to their bigger canines this weekend.

The AWLA is hosting Big Love Adoption Weekend from Friday, Feb. 14, to Sunday, Feb. 16. During this weekend, all adoption fees are waived for dogs over 40 pounds.

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Alexandria City Public Schools go virtual Wednesday due to snowstorm

By Vernon Miles

Published February 11, 2025 at 5:45PM

Francis C. Hammond Middle School, Jan. 6, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

School was closed for “traditional snow days” in January, but this month students aren’t so lucky as classes go to “synchronous learning” tomorrow.

According to a message send out by Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt, all schools will implement synchronous virtual learning for students while staff will participate in a virtual workday due to snow.

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Alexandria Superintendent clarifies ACPS’ immigration stance

By Vernon Miles

Published February 11, 2025 at 4:05PM

ACPS Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt delivers her fiscal year 2026 Combined Funds Budget to the Alexandria School Board, Jan. 23, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt made a small clarifying addendum to a message released last month about how the school division handles immigration concerns.

Last month, Kay-Wyatt sent a letter to community members saying all children have a right to attend ACPS schools regardless of the immigration status of the students or their families. Kay-Wyatt also noted, though, that ACPS “is obligated to comply with all lawful orders and warrants from any law enforcement entity, including ICE.”

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Alexandria Planning Commission adds to criticism of School Board’s controversial PreK-8 conversion decision

By Vernon Miles

Published February 11, 2025 at 3:05PM

Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School at 1501 Cameron Street (via Jefferson-Houston/Facebook)

Alexandria’s Planning Commission threw its voice behind criticisms that Alexandria City Public Schools dropped the ball on the recent K-8 and PreK-8 school conversions controversy.

The Planning Commission voted unanimously last week in support of a letter concerning the George Mason Elementary School Modernization project and the Pre-K-8 School Capacity Planning Project, both of which faced scrutiny for lapses in public engagement.

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One day left to submit feedback on plans to fix Alexandria’s worst park

By Vernon Miles

Published February 11, 2025 at 1:45PM

John Ewald Park (image via RPCA)

For years, City reports have confirmed that John Ewald Park on Duke Street is in rough shape, but the ball started rolling last year on plans to revitalize the lackluster space.

A new survey posted by the City of Alexandria asks for public feedback on plans to transform the park. Proposed new additions include a second basketball court, picnic pavilion, parkour equipment and more.

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Alexandria issues reminder ahead of winter storm: you have 24-72 hours to clear snow from your sidewalk

By Vernon Miles

Published February 11, 2025 at 11:50AM

Plowing snow in Alexandria's West End, Jan. 6, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from the National Weather Service for a snow storm forecast to start this afternoon, but the City of Alexandria is warning residents not to wait too long before clearing snow off their sidewalks.

In an alert, the City of Alexandria reminded locals that they have between 24-72 hours to clear off the pavement adjacent to their property, depending on the severity of the snowfall.

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Alexandria City Public Schools will have half-day on Tuesday ahead of winter storm

By Vernon Miles

Published February 10, 2025 at 5:30PM

Cora Kelly Elementary School, 3600 Commonwealth Avenue, on Jan. 6, 2025 (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) Superintendent Melanie Kay-Wyatt announced that the schools will have a half-day so students and staff can return home before an anticipated winter storm.

In a message sent out at 5:25 p.m. today (Monday), Kay-Wyatt wrote that schools will dismiss around noon before the storm hits. It’s estimated Alexandria could see as much as 4-6 inches of snow.

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Cast your vote for the upcoming ‘Heart of Del Ray’ award!

By Vernon Miles

Published February 10, 2025 at 3:50PM | Updated February 11, 2025 at 11:12AM

Winners of the 2024 Heart of Del Ray awards (image via Visit Del Ray/Facebook)

Five Del Ray businesses are shortlisted finalists for the neighborhood’s coveted Heart of Del Ray award to be given this Friday, Valentine’s Day.

The Del Ray Business Association gives the annual award. Anyone can cast a vote for their business of choice here.

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Alexandria ranks higher than average in Virginia for STIs and rates are still swelling

By Vernon Miles

Published February 10, 2025 at 2:55PM | Updated February 10, 2025 at 3:21PM

Couple on a date at a restaurant (Photo by René Ranisch on Unsplash)

Add a new ranking to Alexandria’s accolades: it ranks significantly higher than average in Virginia and Northern Virginia specifically for gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

The increase reflects a national trend of STI cases climbing in recent years, but the Alexandria Health Department (AHD) said the City ranks above the state and regional average in gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis cases.