Alexandria is famous for celebrating the holiday season, and there are still a couple of in-person and virtual performances to help get into the spirit of things.
Tickets are still available for the Little Theatre of Alexandria‘s in-person rendition of A Christmas Carol, which runs until Dec. 19. The theatre has limited capacity to 46 guests, and seating is spaced out so that only up to groups of three people from the same group can watch the show together.
(Updated 8:10 a.m. on 12/15/20) If you’re an Alexandria homeowner and put off raking: you’re entering the last stretch to get that yard cleaned up.
This week, Transportation and Environmental Services let locals know the city is entering the last phase of leaf clearing.
(Updated 8:10 a.m. on 12/15/20) If you’re a cat-owner that felt left out by the Barkhaus’ ugly sweater party for dogs, the new Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe and Wine Bar (109 S. Alfred Street) has some purrfect retribution.
The cafe’s cat ugly sweater party is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 19, from 7-9 p.m. The event is planned to include 15-20 cats in positively hideous holiday sweaters. Cookies and milk will be included.
At the finishing line for the mandatory affordable housing requirement for development, the policy hit some stumbling blocks as the City Council and a representative of the developers clashed over last minute changes and additions as Saturday’s City Council meeting.
Several proposed changes have been in the works for years that would essentially codify an existing voluntary contribution for additional density in developments into a mandatory requirement.
Alexandria now has 6,260 cases of COVID-19, an increase of 470 cases since this time last week.
The death toll from the virus remains at 82. There have also been 396 total hospitalizations since the onset of the pandemic in Alexandria, according to the Virginia Department of Health.
Alexandria City Public Schools is still hoping to hear from local parents whether they are comfortable sending their children back to school.
“We are extending the deadline for the Family Choice Form until Friday, Dec. 18,” ACPS said. “We have not yet heard from everyone and we need to hear from all our families to be able to refine our transition plan to reopen our school buildings for in-person learning.”
Where to Get the COVID Vaccine in Alexandria — “In early 2021, when more vaccine doses are available, people who are in essential and critical industries (including first responders) will receive vaccinations — some through their workplace, and others through doctors offices and local hospitals.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]
Christmas Restaurant Round-Up — “Below we’ve rounded up some options for meals around Alexandria. Some will offer special holiday menus, while others will be open for their usual dine-in and takeout menus.” [Patch]
Big things are in the works in the city. The proposed police review panel is coming back to the City Council in January, but discussions still rage in the community over what authority it should have. New plans are also moving forward for Potomac Yard, while the question of whether or not the Virginia Tech initials will be added to the name remains up in the air.
What stories impacted you this week? Let us know in the comments.
An Alexandria woman pleaded guilty to money laundering as part of a scheme to defraud investors in a church-related investment business.
The fraud involved Brenda Millender and her husband, Pastor Terry Millender — leaders of the Victorious Life Church — soliciting themselves as leaders of a Christian organization brokering Nigerian oil sales. The pair were convicted in 2017.
Sometimes buying an existing business is easier than starting from scratch.
The latest Alexandria listings on BizBuySell show a number of businesses for sale. Many are restaurants, which have been heavily impacted by the pandemic.
(Updated at 1:20 p.m.) The Alexandria Police Department said a portion of King Street is closed due to a gas leak.
“The Alexandria Police Department is assisting the Fire Department with a road closure in the 2500 block of King Street due to a gas leak,” police said in a press release. “Expect police and fire activity in the area.”
