Alexandria was transformed into a winter wonderland Monday morning.
It was quiet around the city Monday morning, as schools were canceled and local roadways are snow-covered.
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Alexandria’s SnowReport website shows that — as of 11:30 a.m. — many of Alexandria’s major roads are in normal or passable condition, though most of the secondary streets remain snow-covered.
Route 1 and Washington Street through Old Down are in “normal” condition. A few major roads in the city are a mix of normal/passable, including:
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Many people who look into estate planning ask, “What is the difference between wills and trusts?” While both wills and trusts deal with estate planning, they serve different purposes. In this post, the legal team of PJI Law, PLC, estate planning lawyers from Fairfax, VA, outline the key principles of wills, trusts, and their role in asset protection.
Wills and Trusts in a Nutshell
Here are the basic features of wills and trusts:
A Will
- Only comes into effect once the will maker is deceased
- States who will receive the decedent’s assets
- Appoints an executor to carry out the decedent’s wishes
- Is potentially contestable and must go through probate, a legal examination by the court
A Trust
- Can take effect immediately after its creation
- Allows a person or an institution (a “trustee”) to hold assets for beneficiaries
- Can distribute property before or after the trustor’s passing
- Can be irrevocable or revocable/changeable
- Assets in trust generally avoid probate
While we recommend that everyone have at least a will (whether or not you also have a trust), trusts aren’t strictly necessary for all individuals. Trusts are particularly helpful for individuals who have assets that are potentially going through probate, own property across several states, or have minor children.
Wills: the Basics of Estate Planning
A will, also known as a last will and testament, is a legal document specifying how the will maker wishes to handle asset distribution and other affairs after their death. A will typically includes all of the principal’s assets, such as real estate, vehicles, and other property, and usually a list of debts. A will may also provide directions for a funeral or memorial service.
Usually, every will must go through a probate court before execution. In some states, it may be possible to avoid probate under specific conditions. Certain assets, such as insurance policies and retirement accounts, may, if planned properly, pass directly to named beneficiaries without probate. (more…)
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Good Monday morning, Alexandria!
❄️ Today’s weather: Heavy snow is expected with a high near 28 and an east wind of 5 to 9 mph. There is a 100% chance of precipitation and 3 to 5 inches of snow accumulation. On Monday night, snow is mainly expected before 10 pm with a low around 19 and northwest wind of 9 to 14 mph, gusting up to 24 mph. The chance of precipitation is 80%, with less than one inch of additional snow accumulation possible.
Students won’t be doing virtual learning tomorrow: it will be a traditional, no-school, honest-to-goodness snow day.
Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) just announced at noon today (Sunday) that, due to anticipated snowfall tonight, there will be no school on Monday.
Come celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s War for Independence with renowned music historians David & Ginger Hildebrand for performances of special period music. The Hildebrands will don period attire to discuss and perform music associated with Alexandria’s sister cities: Caen, France; Dundee, Scotland; Helsingborg, Sweden; and Gyumri, Armenia. Scottish music was especially influential in the American colonies, and once the French joined the Revolutionary cause there were musical celebrations for Generals LaFayette, Rochambeau and other French leaders. This concert event is part of the “Alexandria commemorates America’s 250” campaign. David & Ginger specialize in researching, recording, and performing early American music. Since 1980 they have presented concerts and educational programs throughout the country and abroad at museums, historic sites, schools and universities. Mount Vernon, The National Gallery of Art, The National Archives, and Colonial Williamsburg are among their many past sponsors.
Tickets are $20.
Alexandria just experienced a brief rush of snowfall.
A Snow Squall Warning was in effect until 4:15 p.m. Friday (Jan. 3), and a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect until 7 p.m.
It’s starting to snow here in Alexandria!
It’s been a busy start to the year in Alexandria, most notably with the swearing-in of Mayor Alyia Gaskins — the first Black woman to be elected mayor of the city — and a new City Council last night.
Clothing retailer Top It Off is closing its Del Ray location (1906 Mount Vernon Avenue) later this month, Alexandria Living Magazine first reported.
The location is set to close on Sunday, Jan. 19. Everything at all three locations will be $15 and under, with a buy four items and get the fifth one for free deal.
Big Wheel Bikes has been selling bicycles to Alexandrians or renting them out to visitors traveling the Mount Vernon Trail for 30 years, but its current location at 2 Prince Street could close sometime in the next year.
Store manager Bennett Moore told ALXnow that the shop had gone from a long term lease to a year-to-year lease and that, ultimately, waterfront developer Murray Bonitt wanted to put a restaurant called Waterfront Taco Factory in the space.
Alexandria Mayor Alyia Gaskins and the new City Council were sworn into office on Thursday (Jan. 2), ushering in a new era of city governance with the new year.
Gaskins is the first Black woman to be elected mayor of the city. She stood alongside her husband and two children and took the oath of office from Clerk of the Court Greg Parks onstage at the Rachel M. Schlesinger Concert Hall and Arts Center (4915 E. Campus Drive) at Northern Virginia Community College’s Alexandria campus.