News | ALXnow - Part 228

Notes: Alexandria’s action-packed Sunday – marathons, markets, music & more

Published April 27, 2025 at 7:45AM | Updated April 28, 2025 at 6:01AM

The Study at Morrison House (via The Study at Morrison House on Facebook)

Good Sunday morning, Alexandria!

⛈️ Today’s weather: Showers likely before 11 a.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80 degrees—southwest wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%—new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch are possible. Tonight there will be scattered showers before 8 p.m.. Mostly clear, with a low around 47 degrees. Northwest wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%.

Ross Dress for Less building in Old Town to become Linder Academy Upper School

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 26, 2025 at 9:15AM | Updated April 26, 2025 at 10:30AM

The Linder Academy's Middle & Upper School is opening in Fall 2025. (via The Linder Academy)

The Linder Academy is growing.

The private school, which now teaches kids from kindergarten through 8th grade, is adding a new upper school for grades 7-12. It’s set to open in fall 2025 in downtown Alexandria.

Notes: Explore gardens, support bookstores, participate in civic events on this packed Saturday

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 26, 2025 at 8:00AM

Old Town Books (Photo via Old Town Books Facebook)

Good Saturday morning, Alexandria!

⛈️ Today’s weather: Showers likely before 11 a.m., then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m., then scattered showers and thunderstorms after 5 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80 degrees—southwest wind around 11 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. The chance of precipitation is 70%—new rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch are possible. Tonight there will be scattered showers before 8 p.m.. Mostly clear, with a low around 47 degrees. Northwest wind 11 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. The chance of precipitation is 30%.

Alexandria firefighters battle two-alarm apartment fire on Sheffield Court

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 26, 2025 at 7:30AM | Updated April 26, 2025 at 12:01PM

Fire in the 5400 block of Sheffield Ct. on April 25 (Staff photo by James Cullum)

A fire erupted in a top-floor apartment in Alexandria on Friday night (April 25), triggering a two-alarm response from emergency services.

Alexandria Fire Department’s Engine and Truck 208 were first on the scene at the 5400 block of Sheffield Court. Firefighters encountered flames coming from a top-floor apartment and quickly worked to put out the fire, which had spread to the attic.

ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published April 25, 2025 at 3:30PM

NVTA BRT Action Plan - Potential Network (via NVTA)

Welcome to Friday’s weekly roundup of our top stories.

With ALXnow, it’s easy to catch up on the latest news in Alexandria. This week, we focused on coverage of our local, state, and federal governments. We also reported a lot of crime, including a homicide in the city’s West End.

Police Chief Tarrick McGuire informs Cameron Station Civic Association of shooting at Ben Brenman Park

By James Cullum

Published April 25, 2025 at 2:30PM

Pedestrian Bridge at Ben Brenman Park (image via Google Maps)

Alexandria Police Chief Tarrick McGuire sent a note to Cameron Station Civic Association residents after gunfire was reported Thursday morning (April 24) at Ben Brenman Park.

McGuire detailed the incident, and confirmed that multiple gunshots were reported in the 4800 block of Brenman Park Drive. No one was injured and no arrests have been made yet, and APD is asking the public for help in the investigation.

These two businesses are hosting ribbon cuttings in Del Ray next month

By James Cullum

Published April 25, 2025 at 2:00PM

Dal Ray Farmhouse and Garden Center at 1913 Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray (via Facebook)

Got an extra-large pair of scissors handy? There are two ribbon cuttings for local businesses along Mount Vernon Avenue in Del Ray next month.

On May 10 at 10:30 a.m., expect a crowd to formally cut the ribbon at the Dal Ray Farmhouse Market and Garden at 1913 Mount Vernon Avenue. The business opened last month and is owned by Jay Portlance, who also owns Del Ray Hardware across the street.

GoFundMe launched for 19-year-old victim of Canterbury Square homicide

By James Cullum

Published April 25, 2025 at 1:45PM

GoFunMe for Deandre Jack, who was shot to death on April 19, 2025 in the city's West End (via GoFundMe)

A GoFundMe has been launched for Deaundre Jack, the victim of last Saturday’s (April 19) homicide in the West End.

The 19-year-old Jack was shot and killed in the parking lot of 22 Canterbury Square, and his death remains under investigation by the Alexandria Police Department. The fundraiser has so far exceeded its $5,000 goal by raising $5,360 as of 1:30 p.m. Friday (April 25).

Vintage gift store to open this summer in Del Ray

By James Cullum

Published April 25, 2025 at 1:30PM

Stardust Vintage + Gift is coming to 1904 Mount Vernon Avenue (courtesy image)

A new vintage gift shop is opening this summer in Del Ray.

The ribbon cutting for Stardust Vintage + Gift (1904 Mount Vernon Avenue) is set for Saturday, June 7. The location is the current home to antique shop La Brocante.

City to honor $2.5 million bequest to build botanical garden at Point Lumley Park

By James Cullum

Published April 25, 2025 at 1:00PM

Sign indicating the future site of the Point Lumley Garden on the waterfront in Old Town (via City of Alexandria)

The City of Alexandria wants Betsey and H.J. Rosenbaum to know that there will still be a botanical garden built in their honor at Point Lumley Park, despite not being included in site concept plans.

The Rosenbaum family has lived near the waterfront for decades, and several years ago, the couple bequeathed $2.5 million to the city to build the garden at the park. They were surprised, however, when they saw new concept designs published by ALXnow that didn’t include a botanical garden. The plans are headed to the city’s Board of Architectural Review on May 7.

Free Food, Fun, and Resources: Alexandria’s Community Cookouts return this spring and summer

By Ryan Belmore

Published April 25, 2025 at 11:00AM

Community Cookouts (via City of Alexandria)

The City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks & Cultural Activities is once again preparing to host its beloved annual Community Cookout events this spring and summer, marking its 18th year as a way to connect the community with city resources.

The City of Alexandria announced on Friday, April 25, the schedule for these free events, inviting residents to connect with their neighbors and City resources while enjoying food, games, activities, and giveaways.