News | ALXnow - Part 664

Morning Notes

Published December 27, 2021 at 5:00AM

Birds in Alexandria (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

How farmers’ markets adapted amid pandemic — “Every Saturday, the Old Town Farmers’ Market, located at 301 King St., teems with people looking to fill their grocery bags and socialize with friends… A trip to the farmers’ market, year round and regardless of weather, is a natural part of the weekend for many vendors and consumers alike.” [Alexandria Times]

First Night events canceled in Alexandria due to COVID-19 — “The fireworks show will go on, but other First Night events are canceled.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Retiring Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne is going to be a badge-less community problem-solver

By James Cullum

Published December 23, 2021 at 4:00PM | Updated December 23, 2021 at 6:19PM

With packed boxes by the door, retiring Alexandria Sheriff Dana Lawhorne gets a little emotional in his office. After all, he’s been wearing a uniform for 43 years.

There’s a large framed poster of the classic 1950 film “Harvey” on the wall next to his desk — a gift from his deputies who share a fondness for nostalgic movies. In the film, Jimmy Stewart’s good-natured character is pressured against his philosophy of being “Oh, so pleasant,” rather than “Oh, so smart,” in life.

Landmark-adjacent development deferred over affordable housing and other concerns

By Vernon Miles

Published December 23, 2021 at 2:15PM

Landmark Overlook would transform the corner of South Wilkes Street and Stephenson Avenue into a mixed use property with hotels or office buildings, two-level stacked condominium units, apartments and retail. (Image via City of Alexandria)

A development near Landmark Mall was deferred at the applicant’s request after the project was hammered by City Council for its lack of affordable housing and design issues.

Things had been looking positive for West End Associates LLC’s Landmark Overlook project — spread across 5901, 5951, and 5999 Stevenson Avenue and 2 South Whiting Street — as it headed into the City Council on Saturday. The project was approved by the Planning Commission and city staff.

BREAKING: First Night Alexandria canceled as COVID cases skyrocket

By James Cullum

Published December 23, 2021 at 1:00PM | Updated December 23, 2021 at 4:35PM

First Night Alexandria (photo via First Night Alexandria/Facebook)

First Night Alexandria, the city’s New Year’s Eve celebration, has been canceled due to skyrocketing cases of COVID-19.

With testing at an all-time high, a record-setting 316 new cases of COVID-19 was reported in Alexandria today (Thursday, Dec. 23) by the Virginia Department of Health.

Tilden, the adoptable mastiff mix, is as sweet as a marshmallow

By James Cullum

Published December 23, 2021 at 10:45AM

Tilden, the two-year-old mastiff mix looks tough, but he’s a complete marshmallow. He’s up for adoption, too, with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

“Tilden’s an all-around cool guy who would be a great addition to any family,” AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter told ALXnow. “Whether they are active or looking for a couch potato, Tilden’s got you covered.”

Alexandria seeking new poet laureate

By Vernon Miles

Published December 23, 2021 at 9:45AM

Current poet laureate KaNikki Jakarta, photo via City of Alexandria

Know anyone that’s a poet at heart? The City of Alexandria is opening applications to be the new poet laureate.

The poet laureate’s job, according to the press release, is to promote appreciation of poetry as an art form, encourage creative writing and reading, and promote literacy through poetry. The position has a three-year term starting on April 1, 2022, succeeding current poet laureate KaNikki Jakarta. The ceremonial role will also involve presentations of poetry to various audiences.

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published December 23, 2021 at 5:00AM

Waterskiing Santa says no show this year — “After ramping up for a live show this year, Waterskiing Santa and His Merry Crew expressed sadness late on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 that ‘We are very sorry to inform you that all Alexandria Events have been canceled.'” [Zebra]

COVID tests in VA are in short supply: here’s how to get one — “Locations across Virginia are running out COVID test kits as the demand increases from people who want to safely attend holiday gatherings.” [Patch]

Nonprofits partner with health department and ACT for Alexandria for vaccine information campaign

By James Cullum

Published December 22, 2021 at 3:30PM

A number of local nonprofits are rolling up their sleeves to increase outreach for COVID-19 vaccines for children with families ages 5-11.

The “Sleeves Up, ALX: COVID-19 Vaccine Partnership Program” is a collaboration between ACT for Alexandria and the Alexandria Health Department, which dispersed $145,657 in grant funding to increase awareness of booster shots with populations disproportionately affected by the virus and provide information for young families.

Police and ACPS noncommittal on bringing back school resource officers to Alexandria City High School

By James Cullum

Published December 22, 2021 at 2:15PM

Alexandria Police cruiser (staff photo by James Cullum)

Days after both school resource officers at Alexandria City High School were put on administrative leave, the Alexandria Police Department and Alexandria City Public Schools system are still unclear as to if or when those officers will be replaced.

The officers were placed on leave last Thursday after a “serious complaint” from a former student alleging “sexually inappropriate conversations” while she attended ACHS, according to the Washington Post.

19-year-old arrested for driving without a license, identity theft and drug possession in Arlandria

By James Cullum

Published December 22, 2021 at 1:00PM

A 19-year-old Alexandria man faces multiple charges for allegedly driving a van without a license, providing a false name to police and drug possession.

Police observed the suspect allegedly driving the wrong way down the 3800 block of Old Dominion Boulevard in the city’s Arlandria neighborhood on Sunday, Dec. 5.

Donations needed as Freedom House museum inches closer to opening

By Vernon Miles

Published December 22, 2021 at 10:45AM

Freedom House at 1315 Duke Street (photo via City of Alexandria)

Ahead of the Freedom House’s scheduled opening this spring, the Office of Historic Alexandria is asking for donations to help with some new exhibits and operations for the museum.

The museum was originally scheduled to open earlier this year, but that opening was pushed back to April 2022.