News | ALXnow - Part 864

Morning Notes

Published December 18, 2020 at 9:30AM

Old Town Lamp Posts Decorated with Holiday Art — “Dec. 5 marked the official kick-off of the first Old Town Holiday Lamp Post Art Walk sponsored by the Old Town Business Association in partnership with The Art League and the The Torpedo Factory Office Building.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Del Ray Farmers’ Market Helps Raise $1,000 for ALIVE! — “Shlagel Farms, a longtime vendor at the Del Ray Farmers’ Market, celebrated the Giving Season last week by offering customers a Giving Box. Chock full of fresh produce, each box cost $50, of which the farm donated $10 to local nonprofit ALIVE!” [Zebra]

Pet Valu in Arlandria Will be Permanently Closed by Dec. 29

By James Cullum

Published December 17, 2020 at 4:30PM

Three years after opening on Mount Vernon Avenue in Arlandria, Pet Valu will close its doors by Dec. 29.

The Canada-based pet store chain announced last month that it was shuttering its 358 locations in the U.S. due to the impact of COVID-19.

Alexandria Shopping Center to Host Free Holiday Ornament Pop-Up This Weekend

By Vernon Miles

Published December 17, 2020 at 3:30PM

Christmas tree looking a little sparse? The Alexandria Commons Shopping Center at 3233 Duke Street is hosting a pop-up on Saturday (Dec. 19) that will include a free ornament decorating kit.

“Celebrate the holidays by decorating your own holiday ornament!” the center said on its Facebook page.

Seminary Hill Methodist Church Rebuilding, Selling Property to St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School

By Vernon Miles

Published December 17, 2020 at 2:45PM

Rendering of new St. Andrews United Methodist Church (image via City of Alexandria)

St. Andrews United Methodist Church (845 N Howard Street) on Seminary Hill is seeking Planning Commission approval to demolish and rebuild its church on a smaller lot.

The church is headed to the Planning Commission on Tuesday, Jan. 5, seeking permission subdivide its current lot to reconstruct the church on one part of the property closer to the street and sell the rest to St. Stephen’s and St. Agnes School.

ACPS Report Shows Racial Disparities in Talented and Gifted Program

By Vernon Miles

Published December 17, 2020 at 1:30PM

In a report headed to the School Board tonight, staff at Alexandria City Public Schools have pinpointed racial disparities within the school division’s Talented and Gifted (TAG) program.

Overall, staff found that in 2019 while white students only account for 28% of the school population, they comprise 62% of the TAG programs. Black students, who make up 25% of the overall student population, represented only 15% of the TAG program. The highest disparity was Hispanic students, who comprise 38% of the student population but only 13% of the TAG program.

Alexandria Cupcake Owner Buys Natural Soap Company

By James Cullum

Published December 17, 2020 at 11:45AM | Updated December 17, 2020 at 12:09PM

Alexandria Cupcake owner Adnan Hamidi likes to wash his hands so much that he just bought a natural soap company.

Hamidi’s got big plans for his Scentual Soap Co. and envisions eventually opening a brick and mortar location in Old Town.

Episcopal High School Expansion Headed to Planning Commission

By Vernon Miles

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).”