Halloween | ALXnow

Morning Notes

Published November 2, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated November 2, 2020 at 10:33AM

Dominion Says Sunday Power Outage Caused by Broken Pole/Cross Arm — “Update: A broken pole/cross arm caused the failure. We have been able to isolate the problem and are hoping to everyone back on line very soon.” [Twitter]

Retro Candy Shop Opening in Fairlington — “If you’re into nostalgic candy that will take you back to your childhood days, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the opening of Rocket Fizz, Soda Pop & Candy Shop at Fairlington Centre in Alexandria, according to signs posted in the windows.” [Alexandria Living]

News

ALXnow’s Top Stories this Week in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published October 30, 2020 at 5:00PM

What an intense week in Alexandria.

Our top story was on the massive power outages that affected tens of thousands of residents on Friday, October 23. Without providing specifics, Dominion Energy told City Council this week that outages in Alexandria and Arlington were “unique,” and caused by a piece of equipment that failed at its Glebe Road substation. City Councilors responded that there have been at least eight outages since May.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published October 30, 2020 at 9:00AM

Beyer Calls Trump ‘Super Spreader in Chief’ — “The Super-Spreader-In-Chief strikes again. From coast to coast he visits American communities spreading dangerous aversion to science and public health precautions. He brings large groups of people together under unsafe conditions in state after state, and this is what results.” [Twitter]

Halloween Weekend Events in Alexandria — “While Alexandria police are not planning to close down Lee Street for the annual Halloween party, there are lots of activities Halloween weekend.” [Alexandria Living]

News

Did You Know: The Tall Ship Providence Encountered a Ghost Ship in 1777

By James Cullum

Published October 29, 2020 at 5:00PM | Updated October 29, 2020 at 10:02PM

In 1777, the original Tall Ship Providence found something eerie off the coast of New York — an abandoned, rudderless ghost ship full of rich clothing, bread and even a dog.

“We came within pistol shot and hailed her, but received no answer,” noted Marine Captain John Trevette in his diary.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published October 29, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated October 29, 2020 at 11:24PM

Halloween Beer Pong in front of a Del Ray home. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

Beyer Says Trump is Suppressing Votes — “Donald Trump wants to illegally stop Americans – including members of our military serving overseas – from voting. The counter to this is simple: vote.” [Twitter]

Mayor Defends Kamala Harris’ Dancing After Criticism — “I am a ‘younger’ elected official and I frequently dance (and sing) to Mary J. songs (more ‘Just Fine’ than ‘Work That’) and I cannot wait until next year when we have a Vice President who does too.” [Twitter]

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published October 28, 2020 at 9:00AM

Beyer says New White House Science Report is Misinformation — “This kind of ridiculous misinformation is something you would expect to see from the government of North Korea.” [Twitter]

Senator Amy Klobuchar Attends GOTV Event in Alexandria — “Glad to join @AlexVADems, @C_Herring, @AmyJacksonVA and Councilwoman Del Pepper at an early voting event in Alexandria, Virginia for Sen. Mark Warner and VA candidates up and down the ballot. Everyone, please make a plan and go vote!” [Twitter]

News

Poll: Do You Plan on Trick-or-Treating?

By Vernon Miles

Published October 27, 2020 at 5:30PM

Door-to-door greeting and candy distribution is a classic staple of Halloween night, but the City of Alexandria and health officials warn it might be one of the worst activities to do amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The City of Alexandria proposed celebrating with alternatives, like scavenger hunts around the home or Halloween movie night with the family. A classic Del Ray celebration has already committed to going virtual. Others have proposed maintaining trick-or-treating but with modifications to encourage distancing.

News

City Warns Drivers to be Mindful of Increased Pedestrian Traffic This Weekend

By Vernon Miles

Published October 27, 2020 at 2:30PM

A pedestrian tries to cross Duke St. at N. Jordan St. (Staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Alexandria is asking local drivers to be particularly mindful of safe driving this week as children, who may not adhere as closely to regulations as adults, take to the streets to trick or treat.

While traditional trick or treating has been discouraged this year in light of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, it’s still likely that this weekend will see a noticeable uptick of children on city streets. City Council declared this week as “Pedestrian Safety Awareness Week” in early October in light of the potential risk.

News

Here Are Low-Risk Halloween Activities in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published October 23, 2020 at 10:30AM

The annual Lee Street gathering with trick-or-treaters isn’t happening this Halloween, and the city is recommending low-risk activities.

“While the spread of COVID-19 remains a threat, residents are encouraged to find safe ways to enjoy Halloween and Dia de los Muertos,” according to the city.

News

Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published October 22, 2020 at 9:00AM

Free COVID-19 Testing Today in West End — “FREE COVID-19 TESTING! Tomorrow (Thursday) from 3 PM until 6 PM @NeighborhoodHth will be hosting another COVID-19 testing pop-up in partnership with the City. The event will be held at Burke Library at 4701 Seminary Road.” [Twitter]

Beyer Says Trump Has Made Fortune While in Office — “Donald Trump has a secret Chinese bank account, new properties in Scotland opened while he was in office, half a billion dollars owed to creditors like Deutsche Bank, licensing deals in Turkey, India, and the Philippines, and the Saudi government spent millions at his hotels.” [Twitter]

News

Del Ray’s Annual Halloween Celebration Goes Virtual

By James Cullum

Published October 20, 2020 at 5:00PM

The Del Ray Halloween Parade has been canceled, but the community has rebounded with a weeklong celebration with virtual contests and a scavenger hunt.

The annual event is sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association (DRBA), which has adapted to present the events with community sponsors.