Del Ray’s annual popularity contest is back, and voting is officially open for the 2021 Heart of Del Ray award.
The annual distinction is sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association, and selecting the business that represents the heart and soul of the community is determined by a vote from neighbors and customers.
Alexandria’s continued claims for unemployment jumped 10% for the week ending Jan. 23, as the number of initial (first-time) claims continue to drop after a surge just weeks ago.
The Virginia Employment Commission reports that there were 1,231 continued claims for the week ending Jan. 23, an increase from the previous week’s total of 1,120 claims. The number of continued claims has remained relatively steady over the last month-and-a-half, as the week ending Dec. 19 saw 1,223 continued claims.
Even though Hugo looks full grown, the nine-month old terrier has a lot of growing left to do.
A busy bundle of energy, Hugo is looking for a new home via the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
Like many Alexandrians, Tonya Kemp faced a difficult 2020 early on when she lost her job in May. But out of that loss came a new project that became a new business: West End candy shop Rocket Fizz (1721 Centre Plaza).
Alexandria’s Rocket Fizz is a locally-owned franchise of the mostly-America based soda pop and candy shop chain.
Alexandria City Councilman Mo Seifeldein is running for mayor and he is not seeking reelection to Council. He tells us that he is planning to make a formal announcement in the next couple of weeks.
Seifeldein called Mayor Justin Wilson on Wednesday night to tell him that he would be his opponent, although Wilson was unclear when he spoke with ALXnow as to whether Seifeldein will challenge him in the Democratic primary or the general election.
Alexandria Police Participate in Honoring Fallen Capitol Police Officer — “APD participated in the memorial service for fallen U.S. Capitol Police Officer Brian Sicknick. Our officers rendered honors for Ofc. Sicknick, and joined the escort from the U.S. Capitol to Arlington National Cemetery. Our prayers are with his family and friends.” [Twitter]
Free COVID-19 Self-Testing Kiosks Available Around City— “Visit a Curative COVID-19 self-testing kiosk in Alexandria for a free test. Tests do not require government ID; service available in English and Spanish. Make an appointment at Curative.com. Walk up testing also available. For more info: alexandriava.gov/114730.” [Twitter]
The Planning Commission unanimously approved the controversial Heritage Old Town project on Tuesday, clearing a path for it to go to City Council for a vote on Feb. 20.
The decision was made after hours of public comments from more than 40 people in support and opposition to the project.
Alexandria’s Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities (RPCA) is planning an overhaul of recreational park on Eisenhower Avenue to add new sports fields and other amenities.
Joseph Hensley Park at 4194 Eisenhower Avenue — just west of the Animal Welfare League — is currently an open field mostly occupied by a central baseball diamond. The new design will feature two baseball diamonds and a soccer field with synthetic turf.
East Coast-based pet store chain Loyal Companion is planning on opening its doors in Old Town North on Feb. 25.
“We’re a one-stop-shop for pet wellness,” Loyal Companion said on its website. “Stop by and wow your pet with our selection of toys, treats, food, supplements, expert advice and grooming all under one roof.”
The city’s plans to overhaul Taylor Run to combat the erosion of the stream has generated some controversy as both local civic groups and some environmental activists have expressed concerns about the restoration’s impacts.
Criticisms of the city’s plan range from the simple — many of the trees and foliage in the forest will be torn down, though the city has committed to planting new growth and says the damage will be worse if erosion is left unchecked — to the more in-the-weeds concerns — like phosphorous levels in the water might not match the city’s models, meaning the levels of estimated pollution justifying the restoration could be lower than what’s currently speculated.
Dr. Lauren Fisher, the co-owner of Del Ray Psych and Wellness, has been elected the new president of the Del Ray Business Association.
“I am honored to be representing an amazing group of resilient, supportive, and community-oriented business owners,” Fisher said in a statement. “I look forward to helping our local businesses and community members adapt, evolve, and strengthen over this next year. In the words of Helen Keller, ‘Alone we do so little, together we can do so much.'”
