NOVA Parks Incurring Net Loss from Cameron Run — “How to optimize the use of Cameron Run Regional Park is an issue that has bedeviled Alexandria residents, city staff and elected leaders for years.” [Alexandria Times]
See a Sizzling Cabaret Show Every Month at Italian Restaurant — “LA TI DO is celebrating its ten years in show biz with the inauguration of their sizzling cabarets on the first Wednesday of every month at Michael’s Little Italy.” [Zebra]
Landmark neighborhood sports bar Alley Cat is closing early next month, local news site Annandale Today first reported.
The bar first opened in 2009 and, according to the bar’s website, the last day of business will be Sunday, Sept. 4.
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.
Update on 8/29/22 — Sources from Momo Sushi & Cafe have reached out to ALXnow to say the restaurant is not for sale and the listing on BizBuySell has been taken down.
Earlier: After 17 years in Old Town, Momo Sushi & Cafe is for sale.
A 29-year-old woman was robbed of personal items by an acquaintance in Arlandria last Wednesday (August 17).
The incident occurred in the 100 block of W. Reed Avenue oat around 10 p.m. The area is near the busy intersection of Glebe Road an Mount Vernon Avenue.
Event location
Duvall House
305 Cameron Street
Alexandria, Virginia 22314
Join George Washington at the beautiful, historic Duvall House—the site of his “coming home” celebration after the Revolutionary War! Libations and hearty hors d’oeuvres will be served. Tickets are $150 per person, with proceeds benefiting the 2027 George Washington Birthday Parade in Alexandria. Reserve your space at the event website, or email us at [email protected] if you prefer to pay at the door.
Alexandrians are likely to see more firefighters on the streets next week as the Alexandria Fire Department (AFD) launches its “Fill the Boot” campaign to raise funds for the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA).
Muscular dystrophy is a genetic disease that causes the progressive loss of muscle mass. The campaign is an annual fundraiser for the AFD, raising money for treatment and other forms of support for those dealing with muscular dystrophy.
Buntilda the rabbit is up for adoption with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria.
The 15-month-old female agouti-colored rabbit is shy at first, but AWLA staff and volunteers have been working with her on socialization via target training, and she is so much more comfortable meeting and approaching new people, according to AWLA spokesperson Gina Hardter.
AWLA Rescues Beagles from Shuttered Facility — “The dogs from the Cumberland Breeding Center are in Alexandria, but have very special needs.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]
It’s Thursday — Mostly cloudy throughout the day. High of 87 and low of 72. Sunrise at 6:33 am and sunset at 7:51 pm. [Weather.gov]
An 18-year-old woman was robbed of cash and personal items on Sunday afternoon (August 21) in Arlandria.
The incident occurred at around 2:30 p.m. in the 3800 block of Russell Road. The victim was not injured and the male suspect did not use a weapon, according to police.
In 2015, former Virginia state Del. Rob Krupicka left state politics to focus on running a donut shop in Alexandria. Seven years later, a combination of economic factors is forcing Krupicka to give up the dream and leave a donut hole in the Braddock neighborhood.
Krupicka announced on Twitter that Elizabeth’s Counter (formerly Sugar Shack), will close on Sunday, August 28. Krupicka is planning on shutting down the store and reopening with a new restaurant called Railbird Kitchen later this year.
