With the George Washington Birthday Parade Celebration coming back to Alexandria, nearly 20 restaurants in the city are competing in the #GWCherryChallenge.
The challenge, which pits restaurants against each other to make the best cherry-oriented appetizer, entrée, beverage, or dessert, runs from Feb. 1 to Feb. 15. The winner will be announced on the official parade website.
Drivers along Duke Street could encounter some lane closures tomorrow (Wednesday) in the West End as the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) works on repairs to the bridge over Interstate 395.
In a press release, VDOT said that starting at 9:30 a.m. the right lane westbound on Duke Street will be closed, followed by the left lane for temporary striping. At 3 p.m., westbound traffic along the bridge will be shifted to the right — which will stay in place until this fall.
(Update at 2:45 p.m.) It’s no secret that Alexandria’s public safety agencies want a raise in the upcoming city budget, but if they are to get a compensation increase it will be outside of the boundaries of collective bargaining.
After more than a year of organizing, the elections for collective bargaining representation for the city’s first responders will be held between Feb. 5 and Feb. 22. But with a staffing crisis and compensation issues within the Fire Department, Police Department and Sheriff’s Office, it will not be until 2024 until negotiations will be fruitful.
“Rock, Paper, Scissors” Torpedo Factory artist and photographer Greg Knott dies at 49 — “Greg Knott will be remembered for his passion, his artistry, his sense of humor, and how much he loved his family and his children. He was usually the ‘only dad’ at too-many-to-count girl scout camping trips.” [Zebra]
Girl Scouts bring back in-person cookie sales — “In Association 60, which encompasses Arlington and Alexandria, there are about 305 troops and 3,085 kids. The sales are a huge fundraiser for the Girl Scouts, with 85 cents from each box going to the troops.” [ARLnow]
You won’t find Zoom wine tastings at Le Vintage Wine Shop.
The new shop is opening at 1218 King Street on Tuesday, and owner Benjamin Kuna says there’s something about an in-person tasting that gives the experience an extra kick.
A leading Alexandria nonprofit that has given away millions pounds of food since the pandemic began is preparing to open two food distribution center for residents.
Just where the new ALIVE! centers will be located in the city is still under wraps, but the nonprofit hopes to make an announcement soon and open before the end of this spring. The plan is to make a one-stop shop for residents to get connected to city services.
A new permit filed with the City of Alexandria indicates that some changes could be underway for the Campagna Center at 418 South Washington Street.
The building, constructed in 1888, was once part of the Alexandria City Public Schools system as a school and later as administrative offices. It was converted into office space in 1981 and was purchased by local child education nonprofit Campagna Center in 1993.
The number of positive Covid cases continues to go down in Alexandria, as officials say that the latest wave of Omicron cases will recede within a month.
While cases have gone down for the third straight week, numbers are still historically high.
Alexandria Fire Department discusses new fire station overhaul — “Join us on Feb. 1 for a discussion about the upcoming bay floor replacement project at Station 201.” [Twitter]
Old Town Shop relocates to 104 S. Union — “The Old Town Shop, a locally owned gift shop celebrating the historic heritage of Alexandria, is relocating across the street from its present location on S. Union Street.” [Alexandria Gazette]
Busy week with big things afoot in Alexandria.
Plans for the GenOn power plant and the redevelopment of Minnie Howard are moving forward through the city review process, with both projects working out the details on how to make them more pedestrian and cyclist-friendly.
Snow started falling at around 2:45 p.m. on Friday (Jan. 28) in Alexandria, as the city remains under a Winter Weather Advisory until 4 a.m. Saturday.
The National Weather Service says that the snow could lead to slippery road conditions for the evening commute. One inch of snow is expected.
