What a busy week in Alexandria.
Our top story this week was on Vice President Kamala Harris’ visit to Old Town shop fibre space on March 3. It was Harris’ first official visit outside of the White House since she was inaugurated, and she spoke about the American Rescue Plan with shop owner Danielle Romanetti.
Virginia State Police Car Chase Ends With Arrest — “State police found the vehicle heading north on the Beltway near Braddock Road. A state trooper tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver sped away. Police say the vehicle reached speeds above 100 mph and struck three vehicles and a trooper’s vehicle during the pursuit.” [Patch]
Stomping Ground to Open ‘The Alley’ — “The Alley’s menu is available for sampling now at Stomping Ground, at 2309 Mt. Vernon Ave. Stomping Ground is the brainchild of Nicole Jones, who is also working on opening a new venture at The Atrium in Old Town.” [Alexandria Living]
Alexandria is asking for community feedback for a proposal to turned a long-closed swimming pool in Del Ray into a spray park.
The city, which selected McLean-based LSG Landscape Architecture for the project, is in the process of redesigning the Colasanto Pool at 2700 Mount Vernon Avenue. The pool opened at Nicholas A. Colasanto Center and Park in 1969 and has been closed since 2010. A 2012 aquatic facilities study determined that a spray park would best suit the area.
Police Provide Guidance on Indecent Exposures in Del Ray — “The Police department encourages anyone who is a victim or witnessed these incidents to call 9-1-1. If you live in the neighborhood, please review your security cameras and call police if there is suspicious activity.” [City of Alexandria]
City Hall Walk-in Payment Hours Expanded — “Beginning Monday, March 1, in-person services are now available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.” [City of Alexandria]
Alexandria Police are continuing to investigate a series of indecent exposure incidents in Del Ray since last year.
The most recent incident took place on Jan. 21 between 6 and 6:30 a.m. in the area of E. Alexandria and E. Glendale Avenues. A Black male in his 20s or 30s was seen masturbating in the driveway of a home. Police were called and a K9 was used in tracking the suspect. The K9 lost the scent in an alleyway, according to sources.
Lauren Fisher has her work cut out for her.
By day, the psychologist is the co-owner of Del Ray Psych and Wellness, where she and her growing staff have been contending with a three-to-four month waitlist to see new clients.
Alexandria got a few inches of snow Thursday and this morning, and ALXnow took to the icy streets to get some images before it all melted.
The city is no longer under a winter storm warning, although the National Weather Service predicts a slight chance for a winter storm late Sunday night and going into Monday for northern Maryland.
GoFundMe Raises $29K for Family of Bishop Ireton Student — “It is with a heavy heart that the BI community mourns the death of our fellow classmate Andrew Benson, who was taken from us much too soon. He was one of the nicest people we knew and was a member of the BI varsity soccer team. He played fullback and was an avid soccer player and was one of the hardest workers on the team. He always had a smile on his face and he never failed to make you smile with a joke or make a stressful or hard day a little better. Please donate if you can or remember him in your thoughts and prayers. All proceeds go to the family and to help with funeral arrangements.” [GoFundMe]
Holy Cow Honors Sue Kovalsky with ‘Burger of the Moment’ — “Sue, we appreciate you! This #BOTM is for you.” [Facebook]
It’s hard to not love sweet things, and on Friday morning Dolce and Bean was presented with the annual Heart of Del Ray award.
“The neighborhood is just overwhelming,” Dolce and Bean owner Petros Grebre-Egziabher told ALXnow. ” I want also to express my love to this community that welcomed me with open arms and supported me every day for four years.”
Several figures instrumental Alexandria’s Civil Rights movement crowded a typically unremarkable Naming Committee meeting last week to express support for naming a park for former school board member Shirley Tyler.
The naming committee voted unanimously in support of naming the unnamed 3550 Commonwealth Avenue Park the Shirley Tyler Unity Park, a blend of the “Shirley Tyler Park” and “Unity Park” suggestions.
Del Ray’s annual popularity contest is back, and voting is officially open for the 2021 Heart of Del Ray award.
The annual distinction is sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association, and selecting the business that represents the heart and soul of the community is determined by a vote from neighbors and customers.
