In a memo to City Council, the Alexandria Economic Development Partnership (AEDP) laid out the path to recovery for Alexandria businesses as the city prepares to sift through the economic wreckage left in the wake of COVID-19
In a series of short term and longer-term phases, AEDP President and CEO Stephanie Landrum laid out a number of things the city can do to help support businesses in the city struggle to hold on through the pandemic.
Family Says Lack of Information Contributed to Nurse’s Death — “Some family members who have loved ones at Silverado are also upset, complaining they are being kept in the dark. A woman whose mother is at the facility asked that News4 conceal her identity. She says families need more information about the outbreak such as how many staff and residents have tested positive and how many have died.” [NBC4]
Beyer Blames President for U.S. Coronavirus Outbreak— “Tens of thousands of Americans – over 73,000 – have now died from a pandemic that has hit our country so much harder because this President ignored warnings from health officials over and over again. This is so dangerous.” [Twitter]
Alexandria photographer Billy Sabatini had no idea how popular his Front Steps Project would be, and over the last several weeks he’s ended up taking photos of more than 150 families and sequestered individuals in front of their homes.
“I thought it’d be kind of a fun, small thing and maybe get a handful of people to participate,” Sabatini told ALXnow. “I started taking photos of friends and neighbors, and after about a week-and-a-half word of mouth spread and it just took off. I’ve now got 100+ families on my list and my plan is to take pictures of them all.”
Alexandria Realtors The Goodhart Group has raised nearly $14,000 for local restaurants in a GoFundMe campaign, and each $15 meal goes to Inova Alexandria Hospital.
The Goodhart Group raised $13,925, exceeding its goal of $13,500.
It’s been an incredible challenge, but Chadwicks owner Trae Lamond is hopeful everything will get back to normal with his business… eventually.
The 39-year-old Lamond was forced to lay off a majority of his 50 full and part-time staffers, and since March the favorite bar and restaurant for many Old Town residents has been working with a skeleton crew of about 17 employees.
After Gov. Ralph Northam’s announcement that restrictions could start easing up on Virginia businesses next week, some Old Town businesses are already preparing for steps on how to cautiously reopen.
A representative of the Old Town Boutique District said in an email that various businesses that had previously been closed are taking steps to reopen while still offering some degree of social distancing.
Running store Pacers, which has a flagship store in Alexandria, announced today (Wednesday) that it is partnering with the Potomac River Running Store and Switzerland based ON Shoes to donate 5,000 shoes to frontline workers and regional organizations impacted by the pandemic.
Pacers and Potomac River Running Store will be in charge of identifying and distributing the stores to individuals or groups impacted by the pandemic. Each store will receive 2,500 shoes of various sizes and types.
‘Le Refuge’ Restaurant Founder Passes Away — “Jean-Francois Chaufour was born in born in Tavers, France June 7, 1952. He and his wife, Francoise, both hailed from the Loive Valley area and came to the United States together in 1976 and started working as servers in the metropolitan area. After many years of hard work and saving, they pursued the American dream of opening their own establishment.” [Zebra]
Beyer Provides COVID-19 Updates — “I’ve compiled a series of summaries of financial assistance (direct payments, unemployment, paid leave, & more), plus housing, food, and small business resources.” [Twitter]
ACPS Nurses Helping Out Health Department — “When Megan Costanza, a nurse at the T.C. Williams High School Clinic got the call to say her skills were needed by the Alexandria Health Department’s Coronavirus task force, she didn’t hesitate.” [ACPS]
Carpenter’s Shelter Raising Funds for Giving Tuesday — “#GivingTuesdayNow and Do More 24 have synched efforts to help organizations like Carpenter’s Shelter raise money during this unprecedented time. Advanced giving is open, so please support Carpenter’s Shelter by donating!” [Facebook]
Several restaurants around Alexandria are offering specials and deals tomorrow (Tuesday) to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.
Los Tios at 241 S. Van Dorn Street in Del Ray is offering fajitas for two and tacos with the option to make your own combo. The meals are only available for pick up and can be ordered at 571-982-4937.
Mayor, Sheriff Hand Out Diplomas to High School Seniors — “Yesterday, we announced three more deaths [from covid-19]. We have 26 deaths in the city. Every day, it’s another shoe falling. But this, this is something so positive.” (Washington Post)
Alexandria Economic Development Partnership Creating Local Business Grant Program — “AEDP will pull $2 million out of its ‘Alexandria Investment Fund,’ local incentive cash for retaining and attracting businesses, and then pair that money with federal funding the city received through the CARES Act.” [Washington Business Journal]
