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Alexandria nonprofit teaching creative expression to inmates seeks new executive director

By James Cullum
An improv class at Arlington County jail by Heard (via Heard/Facebook)

After six years leading Heard, a nonprofit that brings the arts to incarcerated adults, Jane Collins is hanging up her hat.

Collins, a retired U.S. Air Force colonel, founded the nonprofit in 2017 by hosting a writing contest between participants of ALIVE!, Friends of Guest House and Together We Bake. Collins has been executive director ever since, growing the nonprofit to teach thousands of Alexandria adults in the Alexandria Detention Center, the Arlington County jail, and in more than a dozen local nonprofits.

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Brace Yourself: Flood Watch issued for Alexandria today

By Vernon Miles
Flood watch issued (image via City of Alexandria/Twitter)

At the risk of flooding readers with stormwater stories today, locals recovering from last night’s flooding should be aware there’s a chance for more tonight.

A flood watch is different from a flood warning, but it’s of particular note coming to quickly after the last storm.

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Alexandria hosting meeting tonight on plans to shore up flood mitigation grant program

By Vernon Miles
Flooding near the Braddock Road Metro on Thursday, September 16, 2021. (Courtesy Kerrin Nishimura)

The City of Alexandria is hosting a seminar on plans to expand the Flood Mitigation Grant Program, and the timing couldn’t be better.

Yesterday afternoon, storms hit Alexandria and caused flooding across the city. As frustrating as that flooding was, Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson warned that it paled in comparison to previous intense rainfall.

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Notes: Alexandrians express frustration at continued flooding issues after thunderstorm

By Vernon Miles
Flooding on Commonwealth Avenue (photo via DrainALX/Twitter)

Good Tuesday morning, Alexandria!

☀️ Today’s weather: Showers are likely today with another thunderstorm possible after 2 p.m. There’s a 60% chance of precipitation, so bring an umbrella. Tomorrow, at least, should be a sunny day.

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UPDATED: Severe Thunderstorm and Flash Flood Warnings issued for Alexandria

By Vernon Miles
A storm has reached Alexandria, as seen on radar around 4 p.m. on Aug. 14, 2023

(Updated at 5:40 p.m.) The National Weather Service said the storm is no longer capable of creating a tornado, though flash flood warnings remain in effect.

The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe limits, and no longer appears capable of producing a tornado. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled. However gusty winds and heavy rain are still possible with this thunderstorm.

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New salon on Duke Street hosts back-to-school makeover for children in need

By Vernon Miles
Shanika Morgan (left) and Iye Bayoh (right) at Iye's Beauty Salon (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

Some of the best hairdressing talent in Alexandria came together today (Monday) to give children from affordable neighborhoods and Carpenter’s Shelter a free back-to-school makeover.

Four hairdressers spent the morning working on styling hair for 22 girls and one boy at the new Iye’s Beauty Salon (4600 Duke Street). It was a mini-reunion for hairdressers of Angels Salon, a recently closed salon specializing in Black hair, including Iye’s eponymous owner Iye Bayoh.

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Don Simpson, Jr. named Alexandria’s Business Leader of the Year

By James Cullum
Donald Simpson, Jr. has been named the 2023 Chamber ALX Business Leader of the Year (courtesy photo)

The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce has selected Don Simpson, Jr. as its business leader of the year.

Simpson, the president of Simpson Development Company and vice president of Simpson Properties, Ltd., was recognized for giving back to the community. He’s a fourth generation Alexandria and has worked with his family firm for more than 40 years.

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Committee finalizes list of potential replacements for Confederate-honoring Alexandria street names

By Vernon Miles
Ad-Hoc Proposed Street Name Committee reviewing potential street names (staff photo by Vernon Miles)

While the discussion of which Alexandria streets should be renamed has grabbed headlines, a subcommittee on the ground floor of Lloyd House (220 N. Washington Street) in Old Town has spent months mulling over an equally important question: what should they be renamed to?

At the Ad-Hoc Proposed Street Name Committee’s meeting last Friday (Aug. 11), the group voted on a final list of recommended replacement names that should be considered for streets around Alexandria.

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Alexandria considering sidewalk improvements near four schools

By Vernon Miles
Curb extension (image via City of Alexandria)

The City of Alexandria is considering some improvements to sidewalks to make it easier and safer for students to walk to school.

The City is considering curb extensions, which bump out the sidewalk at corners or mid-block to shorten the crossing distance, make pedestrians more visible, and slow turning vehicles. Curb extensions were recommended in the city’s Complete Streets Design Guidelines.

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