News | ALXnow - Part 817

Episcopal High School Expansion Headed to Planning Commission

Published December 17, 2020 at 10:45AM

New dorms and health facility at Episcopal High School (rendering via Episcopal High School)

Episcopal High School, a private boarding school tucked away on Seminary Hill at 1200 N Quaker Lane, could be undergoing a significant expansion soon with a new fitness center and dorms.

The proposed health and wellness center would replace the existing 90-year-old facility. The new building will be 17,000 square feet — roughly twice the size of the current structure — and if approved construction could begin next year. The facility would also have a classroom, a meditation room, a counseling center and more.

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published December 17, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated December 17, 2020 at 9:17AM

ALIVE! Emergency Food Distribution This Saturday — “The nonprofit will next distribute emergency groceries at a ‘Truck-to-Trunk’ on Saturday, Dec. 19 from 8:30-10:30 a.m. There will be two locations for the event: the Cora Kelly Elementary School parking lot at 3600 Commonwealth Ave. and the Northern Virginia Community College-Alexandria Campus B-1 parking lot.” [Zebra]

Lena’s Converts Rooftop to Winter Lodge — “Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap is expanding its dining experiences by announcing the debut of The Loft at Lena’s — Winter Lodge.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Initial Unemployment Claims Jump in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published December 16, 2020 at 4:30PM

First-time unemployment has sharply climbed in Alexandria, while the number of continued claims keeps going down.

The Virginia Employment Commission reports that there were 241 initial claims for the week ending Dec. 5, an increase of 119% from the 110 initial claims from the week before.

ACPS Opens T.C. Williams Renaming Question to Students

By Vernon Miles

Published December 16, 2020 at 3:30PM | Updated December 16, 2020 at 3:51PM

With the school board voting to rename T.C. Williams High School and Matthew Maury Elementary School, the question remains: rename them to what?

Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) has opened that question to students with an essay and poster campaign.

‘Church’ the Tabby is Up for Adoption With the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published December 16, 2020 at 2:30PM

Church is up for adoption through the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (Photo via AWLA)

If you want to find the bright side of things, a little bit of Church could help. And don’t worry — we’re talking about the eight-year-old tabby that’s up for adoption through the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.

“Church has an adorable little tongue that’s often sticking out, making every day with Church a #tongueouttuesday,” AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter told ALXnow in an email. “Her hobbies enjoy lounging in bed, being pet (especially in bed) and watching visitors and friends (from her bed).”

Man Robbed at Gunpoint on Duke Street Tuesday Night

By Vernon Miles

Published December 16, 2020 at 1:30PM

Police say a man was robbed in Alexandria on Duke Street last night (Tuesday) just east of Ewald Park.

“The victim, male, reported that while walking in the 4300 block of Duke Street, an unknown, male suspect approached them from behind, and took property from their person at gunpoint,” said Lt. Courtney Ballantine, a spokesperson for the police department.

As The Table Turns: New Hobbyists Boost Sales for Old Town Record Shop

By James Cullum

Published December 16, 2020 at 11:30AM | Updated December 17, 2020 at 10:38AM

Crooked Beat Records is now closed at 802 N. Fairfax Street in Old Town. (Photo via Crooked Beat Records/Facebook)

Nat King Cole, Bing Crosby, Annie Lennox… It’s been sounding a lot like Christmas inside Crooked Beat Records for the last month. Even though the record shop missed a few beats when it closed in April and May, sales have increased due to a new generation of hobbyists.

The hobbyists have turned sales back on the right track, according to Crooked Beats’ Paloma Alcala.

COVID-19 Cases Stabilized at Alexandria Hospital as Staff Gets Vaccine

By Vernon Miles

Published December 16, 2020 at 10:45AM | Updated December 16, 2020 at 12:36PM

Inova Alexandria Hospital at 4320 Seminary Road (staff photo by James Cullum)

(Updated 12:30 p.m.) While COVID-19 is on the rise in Alexandria, Dr. Rina Bansal, President of Inova Alexandria Hospital, said hospitalizations for the virus are higher but remaining stable.

“It’s busy,” Bansal said. “We’re managing admissions and discharges. The key is to make sure patients who don’t need to be in the hospital can be discharged quickly. We’re open and here to care about the community.”

Morning Notes

By Vernon Miles

Published December 16, 2020 at 9:15AM

Virginia Tech Students Help Design Oakville Triangle — “A group of local Virginia Tech students in an architecture studio class got the opportunity to reimagine a small section of Alexandria this semester.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Carolers Serenade Goodwin House Staff — “The carolers arrived in Dickensian costumes as a trio and sang classic as well as beautiful newer arrangements of traditional Christmas carols, well-known winter favorites, and gems of Channukah pieces with gorgeous harmonies.” [Zebra]

Winter Weather Advisory Issued Ahead of Expected Snowfall Tomorrow

By Vernon Miles

Published December 15, 2020 at 4:45PM

Alexandria, along with D.C. and Arlington, will be under a winter weather advisory starting tomorrow morning with possible rain, snow and ice.

The advisory was Tuesday afternoon and includes Arlington, Alexandria and D.C., where 1-2 inches of snow is expected to fall amid the mix of precipitation.

Alexandria Restaurant Partners Announce To-Go Holiday Menu

By Vernon Miles

Published December 15, 2020 at 3:45PM | Updated December 15, 2020 at 4:27PM

(Updated 4:25 p.m.) Alexandrians are being urged not to travel or gather in groups for the holidays, so Alexandria Restaurant Partners is putting together a series of specials to diners to take home and enjoy in 2-4 sized groups.

“Always committed to providing a total guest experience, this year’s ARP Christmas menus feature a la carte, Prix fixe, and packaged to-go menu options highlighting innovative twists on classic holiday dishes,” a spokesperson for the restaurant group said.