Goodhart Group Buys Alexandria Hospital Staff 100 Meals From Mason Social — “Our General Manager, Mark delivered 100 meals to Alexandria Hospital this evening on behalf of @thegoodhartgroup. We love partnering with our community to help support each other during this time of uncertainty.” [Facebook]
GoFundMe Campaign Started for Business Owner With Cancer — “I can’t go anywhere, and I’m riddled with anxiety with everything going on. As you can imagine it’s extra tough to get supplies. Especially with the things I need, supplies are cleared and simple things like hand sanitizer, masks, and gloves are hard to come by.” [Zebra]
Beyer Presides Over Congress Wearing Face Mask — “Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) wearing a face mask and gloves presided over this morning’s House pro forma session during the coronavirus pandemic.” [Twitter]
Hunger Free Alexandria Updates Food Resource List — “Notable change: West End Food Pantry now requires a Valid photo ID with current City of Alexandria address or a Photo ID and current bill with City of Alexandria address.” [Facebook]
Fresh Market Asks Customers to Wear Masks — “The Fresh Market, which has an Alexandria grocery store in Bradlee Shopping Center, announced Tuesday it will ask shoppers to wear masks.” [Alexandria Living]
Senior Services of Alexandria ‘Animeals’ Program is Operational — “Our Animeals program is continuing to care for the animals of older adults in Alexandria! Thank you to our volunteers who deliver pet supplies to our local seniors.” [Facebook]
Mia’s Italian Kitchen Donating $2 For Every Prosciutto Pie Sold — “ONE DAY ONLY ⏰ In honor of Spring2ACTion Day, The Patterson Group will be donating $2 to ACT for Alexandria for every Spring2Action Prosciutto Pie sold. This special pie featuring prosciutto di Parma, burrata, Calabrese pepper sauce and spinach pesto will be available for pickup and delivery this Wednesday, April 15 only!” [Facebook]
ACPS Now on Multiple Public TV Channels — “Kinder, 1st, and 2nd grade Dragons! ACPS-TV will be providing content on channels 70 and 71. Check it out starting today! There will be lessons on a wide variety of topics, read-alouds, movement activities, and more.” [Facebook]
Old Town Festival of Speed and Style Rescheduled to September — The annual classic car show on King Street in Old Town was originally Scheduled for June 7, and has been pushed to September 6. [Facebook]
Mike Bostick, the produce manager at Mom’s Organic Market, couldn’t help himself, so he recently yarn bombed the store’s bike racks to look like characters from Star Wars.
“I wanted to do something that was widely known, that people could get right away immediately,” Bostick told ALXnow. “I’m more of a Star Trek fan, but that would be a little too difficult to make.”
Bostick previously made red, white and blue covers for the bike racks on the fourth of July last year, followed up by yellow and black Minion bees after the “Despicable Me” films. He also knits reusable shopping bags for customers.
The bike racks are now made to resemble Boba Fett, C-3PO, R2-D2 and Chewbacca.
“Some people don’t like yarn bombing, because it’s done in areas where people just leave them and kind of abandon them,” Bostick said. “And they’re bad for the environment, but it’s right here where I work. I’m going to see it every day.”
Bostick moved to the area from Oahu, Hawaii, shortly after President Trump’s inauguration, and immediately found an opportunity to knit pink caps for the Women’s March. He said that his mother taught him how to knit when he was 13 years old.
“I knew I could make those pink hats, and I tried to pick it up again,” he said. “I didn’t lose the technique so I was able to still shame and I just took off from there, just kept doing more projects.”
Bostick is thinking about super heroes for his next design, but hasn’t yet made up his mind.
“I’ve been trying to challenge myself, and it keeps me busy,” he said.
Staff photo by James Cullum
Southern Towers Residents Prepared to Strike Over Rent — “Their goal is 1,000 signatures from the 2,300 total units. They want management to cancel rent until one month after the pandemic ends, address safety and cleaning concerns, and create a sliding scale for future rent payments based on income.” [WAMU]
Less Than Half of Alexandrians Will Get Full Stimulus Checks — “SmartAsset estimates that full stimulus check would go to just 49.57% of households in the City of Alexandria, and 65.92% would get some level of stimulus check. The full check of $1,200 would be sent to individuals with an adjusted gross income (AGI) of up to $75,000 and a reduced benefit would be sent to individuals earning up to $99,000, at which point it phases out completely.” [Alexandria Living]
Market 2 Market Del Ray Caters Food Gifted to Alexandria Hospital — “We had the wonderful opportunity to partner with Cafe Pizzaiolo and Market 2 Market Del Ray and our friends Trinchero Family Estates and to provide dinner for the teams working around the clock at Inova Alexandria Hospital this afternoon!” [Facebook]
The Chamber’s Virtual Professional Women’s Network Mixer is Tonight — “We can all agree that these are unprecedented times we are experiencing now, and connections are now more important than ever so please make plans to join us on Thursday, April 9th for a slightly different version of our wildly popular Professional Women’s Network Coffee & Connections.” [Chamber of Commerce]
Del Ray Farmers’ Market Canceled This Weekend — “There is no market at 4 Mile Run this weekend, but Tom (and our other vendors) will be at the #delrayfarmersmarket on Saturday so you can pick up your pre-orders!” [Facebook]
Virtual Mindfulness Workshop Tonight — “Stress is an inevitable part of life. Join Dr. Eng for an 8-week course where you will learn about the stress response in your body, stress management techniques, coping strategies, and mindfulness-based relaxation training.” [Facebook]
Old Town Books Hosting Virtual Writing Classes and Literacy Series — Kicking off on Friday, April 10, Old Town Books will launch writing classes and a virtual literacy series featuring accomplished authors. The pay-what-you-can programs include participation by authors Jenny Offill, Jessica Lahey and New York Times Magazine writer Emily Bazelon. [Old Town Books]
Safeway Updates Social Distancing Rules — “Stores will limit occupancy levels to one person per 150 square feet during normal business hours and one person per 300 square feet during special hours reserved for seniors and other vulnerable customers. Each store will utilize one front entrance/exit to ensure enforcement and a store associate will be assigned to the doors to manage traffic.’ [WUSA9]
Center For Alexandria’s Children Recognizes Child Abuse Prevention Month — “Raise awareness and show your support for Child Abuse Prevention Month while enjoying family time together. Download and print the board and play #PinwheelBingo with us! Continue to check back on our social media platforms throughout April for more family-friendly activities to do at home. Together we are stronger! Let’s all do our parts to protect the children in our communities. [Facebook]
The Dog Park in Old Town is Open — “Easter is coming…so don’t furget your doggy! We carry a full line of Easter toys, treats and wearables. We will be featuring a new item everyday for you to enjoy. We are open everyday M-S 10-6 and Sunday 11-5. We offer curbside pickup and contactless home delivery too!” [Facebook]
Fat Face Opening This Summer in Old Town — “It all began in 1988 with two guys enjoying life on the slopes in the French Alps and desperately trying to avoid working for a living. With money running out, they hatched a plan: print some sweatshirts and t-shirts, sell them at night, and ski during the day. With that simple formula, the FatFace brand was born with the name even being inspired by their favourite black mountain run in Val d’Isère, La Face.” [Alexandria Living]
There are a few Alexandria restaurants and cafes currently selling groceries as a way to boost sales and minimize outdoor trips.
Here is a list of establishments that are also providing groceries at this time:
Mia’s Italian Kitchen (100 King Street) in Old Town has turned into a market, complete with discounted wine, rolls of toilet paper, paper towels, raw steaks and eggs for sale.
https://www.facebook.com/MiasItalianKitchen/posts/3037784802983412?__xts__[0]=68.ARC0RJ8MSQbOCz3-XT-in_dRYDoV38PLbTyXFEOG7U5h8FymZ9ckHQKaDtKjJyjewq08WPNLJATjgZSBOHURAE1pBm9IvC37j_Mx21rXoabvAuQXDktfGtHl6VK03nPE0F_oY14S5vKkbsA_ywVa9fjA4uziKYt7G6MWYxp_ef4qIA50VlLw6pEJsMKPOsYtd5dkLIROhf95hD-jAVbk7NAmJpnlcPdhMjQ_hx_a5CmduywiLBQUehFYuraMBW4X5fs5-eU6H9zrw1DAdCp3X6dNbPd1ZWONpO2Hz9dtdQDWd0TSSeGfHcetqNPkpux-h9jc6VxqEoosHhf5anvNqRQZuvjI&__tn__=-R
Junction Bakery & Bistro (1508 Mount Vernon Avenue) in Del Ray is also offering, in addition to its regular menu, household staples like toilet paper, fresh eggs, yeast, bread and more.
Good people of Alexandria and beyond — we have converted to a corner grocery + carry-out to serve your needs at this…
Posted by Junction Bakery & Bistro on Monday, April 6, 2020
Cheesetique (2411 Mount Vernon Avenue) in Del Ray is also offering household cleaning supplies, in addition to their regular menu of delicacies.
Household & cleaning supplies are back in stock in our online (and physical) store. Order for pickup or delivery.https://www.cheesetique.com/online-ordering/del-ray-retail/menu
Posted by Cheesetique Del Ray on Saturday, March 28, 2020
Photo via Junction Bakery & Bistro/Facebook
Noah Lyles Relieved Olympics Postponed — “It was a little relief to see that it’s been decided to postpone the Olympics because my first concern was that everybody would be healthy and everybody would have a fair place to compete.” [Running Magazine]
Former Medical Employees Plead Guilty to Running ‘Pill Mill’ — “Two women pleaded guilty yesterday [March 30] for their respective roles in helping run a “pill mill,” which led to the fraudulent dispensing of thousands of prescription opioid pills.” [DOJ]
Trader Joe’s in Old Town is Hiring — “At Trader Joe’s we are working diligently to support our communities and ensure our customers have access to food and necessary household staples during this time. To those who have found their hours limited or jobs placed on hold, we invite you to apply to join our Crew until your employer is able to welcome you back.” [Indeed]
‘The People’s Drug’ Makes Lunches For Industry Workers — “40 bag lunches – GONE! We’re doing our part to feed as many laid off industry folks that we can. Stay tuned for more info on how to grab a bag lunch in the coming days. Not posting this for a “thank you”…but more so to alert our industry fam in need! In the meantime – yes we’re open for curbside pick up and delivery via @UberEats.” [Facebook]
Scholarship Fund of Alexandria Gala Canceled — “The kids in Alexandria who come from families with financial need will feel the greatest economic impact from the COVID-19 crisis. Graduation and College are Coming. They need YOUR Support Now More than Ever!” [Facebook]
Free Parenting Therapy and Support Group Launches — “This is a free therapist-led group, but donations are graciously accepted for those volunteering their time to lead thoughtful discussion, provide support, and even some light-hearted distractions. 25% of all donations received will go to small businesses in need from the Alexandria community.” [Facebook]
Beverley Hills Residents Adorn Homes With Art — “Every Wednesday, neighbors decorate their windows, porches and front yards with artwork based around a specific theme. Then, throughout the day, kids and their parents can walk the neighborhood to admire the displays and hunt for hidden art.” [Alex Times]
Where/When Seniors Should Shop For Groceries — “Vulnerable customers should avoid shopping in person at all and make use of delivery services or volunteers when possible. If in-person shopping is necessary, customers and staff should stay six feet apart from each other, wash hands frequently, and disinfect shared surfaces like shopping cart handles.” [Zebra]
Financing for Wegmans Development — “The developers behind Carlyle Crossing, the Wegmans-anchored mixed-use development going up near the Eisenhower Avenue Metro station in Alexandria, have lined up $253 million in financing for the project. ” [Washington Business Journal]
Five-Year-Old Found Wandering in Cold — “Authorities in Alexandria say a young child who was found out in the cold early Friday will be reunited with her mother… The 5-year-old was found near a Taco Bell location at the intersection of South Van Dorn Street and Edsall Road before 4 a.m.” [Fox 5]
Alexandria Man Found Murdered — “A City of Alexandria resident has been identified as the victim of a homicide in Mount Vernon, Fairfax County Police say. The body of Micale Kebede, 31, was found near a bridge at Old Mill Road and Gateshead Road Wednesday evening.” [Patch]
School Board Approved Ten-Year Plan — “The Alexandria City School Board has approved a $530.7 million ten-year plan to continue to modernize ACPS schools while also funding facilities repairs to the school infrastructure needed.” [ACPS]
(Updated 2:20 p.m.) It’s been a week of ups and downs for the Safeway next to the Bradlee Shopping Center.
A couple days ago it was robbed at knifepoint. But tomorrow it will host a group of Washington Redskins cheerleaders as the Capital Area Food Bank (CAFB) receives a large food donation.
On Thursday (Dec. 19), at 11 a.m., the Safeway at 3526 King Street is scheduled to host a donation event during which over 800 boneless hams from Hormel — just in time for the holidays — and 100 jars of peanut butter will be handed over to CAFB, according to a press release.
The release notes that this amounts to 4,800 servings of ham and enough peanut butter to make 1,000 sandwiches.
The food bank, meanwhile, will distribute the food through a network of community organizations and directly delivering food to hard-to-reach areas.
Photo via Google Maps
Shoppers is closing in Potomac Yard, its parent company announced today.
The supermarket, at 3801 Richmond Highway, is expected to close by the end of January. Other Shoppers stores in Manassas, Baltimore and Severn (Maryland) are also closing, and the company is selling 13 other locations.
“Each of the transactions is expected to close between mid-December and the end of February 2020, subject to customary closing conditions,” Shoppers owner United Natural Foods, Inc. said in a press release, about the store sales. “UNFI will also close four additional Shoppers stores, which are expected to cease operations by the end of January 2020. UNFI made the decision to not renew the lease at three of these locations and the fourth is being cancelled pursuant to agreement with the landlord.”
Shoppers was founded in 1929 and serves communities in the Baltimore and Washington, D.C. metro areas, including Northern Virginia.
The shopping center at Potomac Yard is slated for a major redevelopment that will see the existing big box stores close to make way for a more dense mixed-use community.
Photo via Google Maps
