There have been no new deaths related to COVID-19, and cases continue to rise. In the meantime, Alexandria’s two-and-a-half-year-long state of emergency will expire on June 30.
The declaration was made by Council in March 2020 — at the onset of the pandemic — and has been extended five times.
After road work on I-395 was rescheduled from this weekend, the highway will see closures starting tonight.
The Virginia Department of Transportation said several lanes of I-395 between Edsall Road and Duke Street are rescheduled to close between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m. tonight through Thursday night.
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.
Barricade situation in Groveton — “There is a heavy police presence at an apartment complex in Groveton after a man was shot early this afternoon” [FFXnow]
It’s Monday — Rain in the morning and afternoon. High of 81 and low of 71. Sunrise at 5:46 am and sunset at 8:39 pm. [Weather.gov]
After taking Monday off for Juneteenth, it was a pretty light week at ALXnow until this morning, when the Supreme Court announced it was overturning Roe v. Wade.
The topic has been one extensively fought over in Alexandria this year, and many local residents and elected officials expressed dismay this morning at the decision.
Explore preschool & kindergarten options in Alexandria! Meet schools, ask questions & find the best match for your child’s early education.
Welcome to the Alexandria Preschool and Kindergarten Fair! Join us for a fun-filled event where parents can explore various preschool and kindergarten options for their little ones. Meet with representatives from different schools, ask questions, and gather information to make the best choice for your child's education. Don't miss this opportunity to discover the perfect match for your family! The fair is free to attend but advance registration is encouraged.
Fireworks fans should get ready for quite a treat for the senses, as Alexandria’s annual birthday celebration is back along the waterfront on Saturday, July 9.
The free event, which will be held from 6 to 9:45 p.m., will commemorate the city’s 273rd birthday. The evening will include a performance by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra and a grand finale fireworks display at 9:30 p.m.
Here’s a look at some of the open houses taking place in Alexandria this weekend:
See all Alexandria open house listings here.
The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade today (Friday) in a landmark decision that will effectively ban abortion in more than a dozen states.
While Virginia is not a state with any “trigger laws” that go into effect as a result of the decision, Alexandria has seen its share of back and forth over abortion. In March, the City Council withdrew a proclamation recognizing abortion providers, a decision some on the City Council said they later regretted. Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) has also expressed support for banning most abortions after 20 weeks of pregnancy.
The Alexandria Police Department announced that a local Taekwondo instructor has been arrested and charged with raping a juvenile victim.
“Trulynd Hall, 29, is suspected and charged with Rape – Victim Under 13,” police said in a release. “Mr. Hall is currently being held without bond in the Alexandria Adult Detention Center.”
Construction starts on Victory Center townhomes — “Winchester Homes is starting work on 130 townhomes.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]
It’s Friday — Partly cloudy throughout the day. High of 82 and low of 64. Sunrise at 5:45 am and sunset at 8:39 pm. [Weather.gov]
