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.
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.
Before the pandemic, I ran a Reddit forum that brought people together for local happy hours. It became a great outlet for an in-person social life: you could get out, get to know people nearby, and have a familiar group to spend time with. I enjoyed being the person who helped make that happen.
Getting people together became harder after the pandemic. Friends moved away, had kids, or settled into different routines, and organizing a night out took more effort. I still wanted that camaraderie, but having people to invite didn’t necessarily mean we could get something on the calendar.
I’m in my late 30s and live in Old Town. About a year ago, I joined Choros, a local membership community that helps guys build friendships through small-group activities. Since then, I’ve been to close to 50 hangouts, and it’s given me a regular group of guys to do things with around Alexandria and beyond.
I host board game nights and help host a monthly happy hour at the Commodore in Old Town. I’ve done escape rooms on King Street, trivia, food festivals in Del Ray, movie discussions, and Dungeons & Dragons (which can be especially tricky to get going as an adult with a busy schedule). Having that variety means I can find something that fits my mood and schedule, and there are usually familiar faces when I get there.
One of my favorite things, though, is getting on my bike, picking a destination, and making a day of it. Through Choros, I’ve found a consistent crew to ride with almost every month. That’s the kind of thing I wanted more of: people who enjoy the same stuff and make time to get out and do it together.
I still like hosting and bringing people together. What makes Choros useful is having a community to draw from, so every plan doesn’t depend on the same few friends being available. Other guys suggest and host things too, which gives me plenty of opportunities to join something without organizing it myself.
Over time, seeing the same guys at different activities builds familiarity. You have conversations to pick back up and another reason to make plans together. That’s how it’s become a circle of friends for me.
If you’re in Alexandria, check out Choros and come to one of our monthly happy hours at the Commodore. I’d be happy to meet a few more neighbors, whether you’re into board games, bike rides, or just getting out for a drink. There’s plenty happening here, along with activities throughout the rest of the D.C. area.
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.
(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.
Spend the evening with Washington Spirit alum and former USWNT player Joanna Lohman, a true DMV women’s soccer legend.
This is your chance to meet Joanna in person, hear the stories behind the career, the competition, and The Amazing Race, and experience the kind of sports moment you’ll still be talking about long after the night is over.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Good Monday morning, Alexandria!
⛈️ Today’s weather: There is a chance of showers and thunderstorms after 3pm Partly sunny with a high of 91°F. Showers are likely tonight with a possible thunderstorm.
