Beyer Denounces Trump Over COVID Stance — “Trump accuses frontline medical heroes fighting to keep us safe of fraud and tries to erase the loss of Americans who died in the pandemic — all in a pathetic attempt to make his own incompetence seem less horrific than it is. Just disgusting.” [Twitter]
City Unveils Memorial Walkway — “At Charles Houston Recreation Center to dedicate the Parker-Gray Memorial Walkway, recognizing the 100th Anniversary of Parker-Gray School. Generations of educators ensured that those ignored by government and society could receive an education and change the world!” [Facebook]
Mayor: Thousands Vote in Alexandria Over Weekend — “Yesterday, 2,411 Alexandrians voted at our 4 locations. So far, 25,364 Alexandrians have voted in-person. 23,682 voters have mailed in ballots that have been counted. A little over 11K ballots have been mailed and not yet returned. In-person early voting resumes tomorrow!” [Twitter]
Refinements Continue for ‘The Heritage’ Development — “It looks like The Heritage Apartment project design will need to undergo additional changes before receiving approval from the Board of Architectural Review (BAR).” [Alexandria Living]
Revolutionary War Soldiers Remembered — “On a partly cloudy day in Alexandria, Virginia, the George Washington Chapter Virginia Society of the Sons of the American Revolution gathered to honor fallen American Revolutionary War soldiers John Longden, John Sloan, and Joseph Smith.” [Zebra]
Today’s Weather — “Cloudy early with partial sunshine expected late. High 68F. Winds light and variable. Partly cloudy skies during the evening will give way to cloudy skies overnight. Low around 55F. Winds light and variable.” [Weather.com]
New Job: Deputy Clerk — “Duties include preparing detailed court documents in accordance with established guidelines, automated case management system data entry, scheduling matters for court, preparing correspondence, and filing court documents, daily docket preparation, attending the counter, assessing fines and costs, receipting payments. Must be able to multitask and assume additional responsibilities as assigned by management.” [Indeed]
City Recommends Staying Home for the Holidays — “The safest way to enjoy the holidays while COVID-19 remains in the community is to find ways to celebrate at home… For everyone’s safety, the CDC recommends quarantining for 14 days following all travel.” [City of Alexandria]
Voter Registration Deadline is Approaching — “There’s currently no line to vote at the Office of Voter Registration and Elections (132 N. Royal St.)! This option is available to all registered voters in Alexandria through Oct. 31. For days, times, other locations, and other voting options, visit alexandriava.gov/1720.” [Twitter]
Beyer Criticizes Trump for Not Wearing Face Mask — “Trump won’t say when he last tested negative for COVID-19. He won’t say if he is testing negative now. He’s about to start traveling across the country, holding huge rallies. #SuperSpreaderInChief” [Twitter]
Foundation Fitness Moves to New Location in Del Ray — “Attention!!! We have a new neighbor and we are pumped about it! Foundation Fitness has moved on down the road to a new UPGRADED space at 
1901B Mount Vernon Ave. Go check it out tomorrow at their grand re-opening from 1-3pm! Don’t miss out on raffles, refreshments and special discounts!” [Facebook]
ACPS Hosts Third Community Read-In on T.C. Williams High School History — “Tune in to learn the real story behind “Remember the Titans” — riots, protests, systemic injustice, and a civil rights crisis in Alexandria, alongside the merger of our black and white high schools, our integration plan, and a winning football team.” [Facebook]
Watch: Fire Department Holds Virtual Wreath Laying Ceremony — “The Alexandria Fire Department, Ivy Hill Cemetery Historical Preservation Society and the Friendship Veterans Fire Association host the 50th Annual Ivy Hill Memorial Service and Wreath Laying Ceremony to honor the men and women of the Alexandria Fire Department who have died in the line of duty and members who have passed in the last 12 months.” [Youtube]
COVID-19 U.S. Honor Quilt on Display at Del Ray Artisans — “Help build HOPE by creating your own 10.5″x 10.5″ panel to add to HOPE sign and to be joined to the quilt. Free panel squares and information pamphlets are available in the entryway of the gallery. All media is fine. No sewing required. The art panels will be copied onto vinyl for display.” [Facebook]
Naomi Wadler’s Scarf is in the Smithsonian’s ‘Girlhood’ Exhibit — “The “two-movie scarf” became Naomi Wadler’s signature, and Naomi wore it during her history-making moment when the then fifth grader exploded on the national scene during the March 24, 2018 March for Our Lives event in Washington, D.C.” [Zebra]
Today’s Weather — “Areas of patchy fog early. Considerable clouds early. Some decrease in clouds later in the day. High 72F. Winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. A mostly clear sky (in the evening). Low 49F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph.” [Weather.com]
New Job: Customer Experience Manager — “Responsible for leading Front End Operations.” [Indeed]
Hundreds of people honored Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in Old Town last night (Thursday).
Ginsburg passed away at the age of 87 on September 18. She served on the court for 27 years.
Speakers included Virginia gubernatorial candidate Delegate Jennifer Carrol Foy, Mayor Justin Wilson and City Councilwoman Amy Jackson, Commonwealth’s Attorney Bryan Porter, attorney Corey Tisdale and Colleen Haddow Gehrig.
Beyer: We Must Protect the U.S. Postal Service —Â “I have been in touch with local postal officials, who express their commitment to ensuring the timely delivery and return of all ballots. This could be an issue in many parts of the country, however, and I will be working with my colleagues to exercise constant vigilance and ensure that elections are fair and safe. My Northern Virginia colleague, U.S. Rep. Gerry Connolly, serves as the chair of the Oversight Subcommittee on Government Operations, and with his tireless leadership the House will do all it can to fix these problems and restore operations and service at USPS.” [Gazette]
Three City Parks Scheduled for Improvements — “Projects at or near Powhatan, Hooffs Run, and Brenman Parks to occur over next two months.” [Zebra]
City Holding Virtual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony Online — “Alexandria’s ceremony is prerecorded and virtual to avoid a large gathering during the pandemic. It will include remarks from Mayor Justin Wilson, City Manager Mark Jinks, and representatives from the Alexandria Fire Department, Police Department, and Sheriff’s Office. There will also be a “Return to Quarters” bell-ringing ceremony.” [Patch]
Alexandria Wedding Showcase Goes Virtual — “Tune in virtually on Sunday, Sept. 13 to hear from a variety of vendors on trends, wedding industry changes, and what you need to know while planning your wedding during a pandemic.” [Alexandria Living]
Carlyle Concert Series Starts Friday — “Enjoy the Carlyle Farmers Market while you attend the Concert! Alcohol is available for purchase at select vendor stands and bar as well BYOB-Bring Your Own Beverage will be observed in designated area.” [Facebook]
Harvest Moon Yoga Tonight in Del Ray — “Shine on Harvest Moon! Free outdoor yoga in Del Ray returns every Wed. Sept. 9 – Oct. 14, 6:00 – 7:00 pm at the Del Ray Psych & Wellness lot, 1900 Mt. Vernon Avenue (Corner of E. Bellefonte) in the Heart of Del Ray.” [Facebook]
Today’s Weather — “Cloudy early. Scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High 81F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 50%. Scattered thunderstorms in the evening, then mainly cloudy overnight with thunderstorms likely. Heavy and torrential downpours at times. Low 72F. Winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 80%.” [Weather.com]
New Job: Dog Walker and Pet Sitter — “Are you a veterinary technician who has been pet-sitting under the table to supplement your income? Have you worried about your lack of insurance or back-up plan if you got sick? If so, then joining Cat Nanny Jess might be the answer to all your worries!” [Indeed]
This Veterans Day, the Friends of Rocky Versace are holding their annual memorial for the MIA local Medal of Honor winner Rocky Versace and other Alexandria Veterans.
Versace’s unit was ambushed, but he was able to provide covering fire to allow other to escape. When he was held prisoner, Versace resisted interrogation efforts. The North Vietnamese Liberation Radio announced Versace’s execution on Sept. 26, 1965. His remains were never recovered.
The ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, at the Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Avenue).
This year, retired Major General James Jackson is scheduled to be in attendance as part of a memorial celebrating the 50th anniversary of the end of the war.
“He’s going to speak and going to make a presentation to veterans in the audience who have not already received the Department of Defense Vietnam Veteran Lapel Pin,” Kevin Rue, a member of the Friends of Rocky Versace, said. “The qualifying period is service in US armed forces from Nov. 1, 1955 to May 15, 1975.”
The veteran doesn’t have to have served in Southeast Asia, so long as they were in the military during that timeframe. No paperwork is required, Rue said Jackson will take people at their word on their service.
Rue said a few veterans he spoke with recently at an event said they didn’t know about the lapel pin, and hoped that more who qualified to receive them would show up at the ceremony.
Rue said Jackson will also be available to give out certificates of honor to Gold Star families.
The event is also scheduled to feature a performance from the Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corp — complete with Revolutionary War period uniforms — and the Alexandria Harmonizers.
The Friends of Rocky Versace gather at least twice a year, on Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day, to commemorate Versace and other Alexandrians who died in various American wars.
“It’s important to have heroes,” Rue said. “This country has to have heroes; those who live up to challenges, who will defend the country when the country requires defense.”
Photo via Friends of Rocky Versace/Facebook
Most City Facilities Open on Monday — “City of Alexandria government offices, libraries and recreation centers will be open on Monday, November 11.” [City of Alexandria]
Veterans Day Ceremony Planned — “The City of Alexandria and Friends of Rocky Versace will host the 18th Annual Veterans Day Ceremony on Monday, November 11, 1-2 p.m. at Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Ave.).” [City of Alexandria]
More Details About ‘The Mill’ — “A restaurant partner has been announced for The Mill, a southern market and kitchen slated for a historic warehouse on the Alexandria waterfront. Builder Murray Bonitt of Bonitt builders announced James Beard Award-winning Chef John Currence will lead the restaurant concept.” [Patch, Zebra]
Del Ray Mom Has Tasty Business — “Heather Stouffer, who lives and works in Alexandria, launched Mom Made Foods from a card table at the Del Ray Farmers Market in 2006. The company is now helping parents nationwide and is on the cusp of launching a new option for lunch boxes.” [Alexandria Living]
Hazmat Scare Was Just Flour — “Scanner: Alexandria firefighters and hazmat team dispatched to a local trail for a report of a suspicious white powder. Arriving units determined the substance to be flour, used by local runners to mark the trail.” [Twitter]
Backups on King Street Due to Chicken Sandwich — “Around lunchtime today, the sandwich was causing a traffic jam in front of the Popeyes at 4675 King Street… One lane was effectively blocked along westbound King Street approaching the Walter Reed/Beauregard Street intersection as drive-thru customers waited over 40 minutes to get their hands on the savory combination of bread, fried chicken and sauce.” [ARLnow]
Land Rover Alexandria Is Moving — A developer “has filed plans with Fairfax County to build [an] auto dealership and service center, on a 5.6-acre parcel fronting Van Dorn Street between the Capital Beltway and McGuin Drive, just outside the city of Alexandria…Â Beyer Auto Group will uproot its Land Rover dealership from its 22-year home at 2712 Duke St. in Alexandria to this new location, while establishing Jaguar sales on the property as well.” [Washington Business Journal]
Water Main Break Near Hospital — An extended, partial road closure was reported near Inova Alexandria Hospital yesterday (Tuesday) evening after a water main broke at the intersection of N. Jordan and Howard streets. [Twitter]
Women’s Halfway House Opens at New Location — “Friends of Guest House, the transitional organization for formerly incarcerated women, has some new digs. Twenty women moved into Friends of Guest House’s newly opened residential six month re-entry program at 120 S. Payne Street.” [Zebra]
New Insight into Severance Case — “Years after serial killer Charles Severance terrorized Alexandria, Virginia, and was convicted in three murders, the lead prosecutor is sharing key insights into the case… ‘He wanted it to be terrifying,’ [Commonwealth’s Attorney for Alexandria Bryan] Porter said of Severance’s crimes.” [WTOP]
APD Officer Saves Man from Overdose — “An Alexandria police officer saved the life of a man who had overdosed on opioids. Read his story, and learn how you too can save a life.” [City of Alexandria, Twitter]
Tonight: Beautification Awards Ceremony — “The 2019 Alexandria Beautification Awards ceremony will recognize residents, organizations, and businesses and community groups for their efforts in contributing to the beautification of the City of Alexandria. Awards will be presented in six categories.” [City of Alexandria]
