Yesterday, around the region, residents of Arlington and Fairfax lit off fireworks to celebrate the Fourth of July. Meanwhile, in Alexandria, fireworks remain illegal.
The Alexandria Fire Department cited safety as a major factor, noting a 25% increase in fireworks injuries in the U.S. between 2006 and 2021. Currently, fireworks are only allowed at city-led events like the birthday celebration on July 8.
This summer, Alexandria is offering real estate tax exemptions for homeowners who install solar energy equipment in their homes.
The 2023 Solarize Alexandria program started this month and ends on August 31. It includes a free assessment, as well as discounts for tax-deductible olar equipment.
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.
Say hello to your new best friend, Benji!
This 5-year-old guy has the biggest heart and body. Benji is a sweet, gently pup looking for a best friend to spend his life with.
Alexandria resident Nasrat Ahmad Yar, 31, was murdered on Monday in D.C. and a reward is being offered for information related to the crime, Patch reported.
D.C. police are investigating Yar’s homicide on Monday, July 3, on the 400 block of 11th Street NE.
Join us for an evening of made-up-on-the-spot improv comedy! We'll be calling on you to give us suggestions for a totally unique show that'll never be seen again!
Show is 18+ recommended. We perform free shows for the Alexandria, VA and surrounding community. Donations help us rent space, supply drinks, and defray other costs!
Good Wednesday morning, Alexandria!
☀️ Today’s weather: Scattered showers and thunderstorms between 2-5 p.m. Partly sunny with a high near 91. Slight chance of showers tomorrow, with a chance of thunderstorms after noon. Partly sunny tomorrow with a high near 90.
The 2022 assault of a 38-year-old man in the West End is being considered a murder after the victim died earlier this year, according to the Alexandria Police Department.
Maurio Bailey was assaulted in the 5400 block of N. Morgan Street on Nov. 28, 2022, and died on Jan. 2, 2023. The incident occurred at an apartment complex near Holmes Run.
A 56-year-old man was shot multiple times last night a block away from the Braddock Road Metro station, according to the Alexandria Police Department.
The victim was shot in the back multiple times at around 11:30 p.m. in the 1300 block of Madison Street, according to scanner traffic. The victim was transported to the hospital and his condition is unknown.
It was a busy week for meetings in Alexandria.
There was a seven-hour meeting on Tuesday where the City Council voted to move forward with the design for the Duke Street Transitway. The Transitway will reconfigure portions of Duke Street to have center-running bus lanes, along with a host of other transit and pedestrian/cyclist improvements. At the meeting, the plan had its share of supporters, detractors, and those in the middle who supported parts or nearly all of the plan but had specific concerns about pieces of the proposal.
The Alexandria Police Department (APD) said an Alexandria resident, Jovan Saunders, 45, was arrested today after allegedly shooting a 30-year-old woman.
The woman arrived at a hospital today with a gunshot wound to her lower body, police said. The wounds were non-life threatening, police said, and an investigation started after APD was notified by the hospital.
