Old Town just got a little brighter.
On Saturday (Nov. 19), Santa Claus made his way to City Hall on the King Street Trolley to help members of City Council light the holiday tree at Market Square in front of City Hall.
Town Crier Ben Fiore-Walker started things off with a proclamation, followed by speeches by Santa and Mayor Justin Wilson.
There are 40,000 lights on the 40-foot-tall tree at Market Square.
Coming up, the Del Ray holiday tree and Menorah lighting is on Sunday, December 4. Santa is also expected to make an appearance at the annual event.
Photos via Elijah Walter Griffin, Sr./Griffin Vision
Santa Claus will ride into Old Town on the King Street Trolley this Saturday night (Nov. 19) for the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony in front of City Hall.
The party starts at 6 p.m. at Market Square (301 King Street), where Santa and Mayor Justin Wilson will do their part to reduce seasonal darkness by lighting the 40,000 lights on the city’s 40-foot-tall holiday tree.
Town Crier Ben Fiore-Walker will cap off the event, which will include a program of holiday carols.
Admission is free, and the event will occur rain or shine.
https://twitter.com/AlexandriaVAGov/status/1592980044879892480
Alexandria’s City Hall just got an F rating in a new facility report, and long-awaited renovations are still years away.
Redevelopment of the aging site got shelved when the pandemic struck in 2020. The design phase for the $70 million project will get underway next year, as will a public engagement process to renovate the landscaping, plaza and garage structure at Market Square.
“We’re currently reevaluating our program space and needs,” said Ebony Fleming, the City’s director of communications. “Next year we’ll begin the design phase.”
The aging home to Alexandria’s government was deemed “functionally obsolete” in a new Joint Facilities Master Plan Roadmap, which City Manager Jim Parajon presented to City Council and the School Board last week. The roadmap acts as a guide for the bodies to plan for city projects that need redevelopment.
“City Hall had been in a bad shape for a while,” Mayor Justin Wilson told ALXnow. “We have deferred the project a bit to work to better define the scope after the pandemic and address more emergent capital needs, but we will have to address the building soon.”
In 2019, the City was on track to finish its public engagement process for the project, which includes roof repairs, reconfigured offices and window replacements.
The City’s 2023-2032 Capital Improvement Program budget has a timeline for renovation and HVAC repairs for fiscal years 2024, 2025 and 2026. Approximately $9.3 million is funded for FY 2024, $51.5 million is funded for FY 2025 and $9.3 million is funded in FY 2026.
City staff say that office spaces will be renovated in FY 2025 at the earliest, according to an October, 2021, CIP presentation to Council.
Read about Alexandria City Hall’s history below the jump. Read More
Alexandria Police are investigating the destruction of several Pride flags that were thrown into the fountain at Market Square outside City Hall (301 King Street).
On Sunday evening, approximately half of the multicolored flags mostly erected on light posts around Market Square to commemorate Pride Month were thrown into the fountain, Alexandria Police told ALXnow.
“We have a destruction investigation ongoing at this time,” APD Senior Public Information Officer Amanda Paga said. “We’re looking into it… At this time the incident is not being investigated as a hate crime.”
Mayor Justin Wilson said that the missing flags will be returned.
“We received a few very disturbing reports about the damage of the Pride flags in Market Square,” Wilson said. “The flags were donated to the City to aid our celebration of Pride. The Alexandria Police Department is investigating and we will ensure that the flags are quickly returned to display.”
June is Pride Month in Alexandria, and the flags are a part of the city’s recognition of “LGBTQ+ people, their influence around the world, and the challenges they face.”
Courtesy photos
Alexandria’s City Hall has been lit purple in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Day on October 22.
The city’s Domestic Violence Program is also promoting the regional #PowerUpNOVA campaign, which asks locals to “consider their power as individuals and part of a larger community devoted to reducing and eliminating domestic and intimate partner violence,” according to the city.
City Hall was also lit up at the end of August in recognition of International Opioid Awareness Day.
Last year, there was a candlelight vigil at Market Square to honor the 22 people in Alexandria who have lost their lives to acts of domestic violence since the mid-2000s. The annual event is hosted by the city’s Domestic Violence Intervention Project, and is being put off this year because of the pandemic.
The city’s Sexual Assault Center and Domestic Violence Program is open, and hotlines are available 24/7 at 703-684-7273 [Sexual Assault Hotline] or 703-746-4911 [Domestic Violence Hotline]. Online support is also available with The National Sexual Assault Online Hotline.
The Commission for Women and Friends of the Commission for Women are lighting City Hall purple this week in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Day on Oct 22. Learn what you can do to reduce and eliminate domestic violence at https://t.co/0ohy9qk41R. #DVAM #PowerUpNOVA pic.twitter.com/fGDnqpft9f
— DCHS Alexandria, VA (@DCHS_AlexVA) October 20, 2020
There will be a candlelight vigil for Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in Old Town on Thursday night.
Ginsburg passed away at the age of 87 on September 18. She and served on the court for 27 years.
“We will meet in Market Square to pay tribute to the life and work of RBG,” the organizers wrote in the event announcement. “Battery operated candles will be distributed, and speakers will lead us in a moment of silence to reflect on RBG’s life, work, and service.”
The vigil will start at Market Square (301 King Street) at 7 p.m., and at 7:30 p.m. the group will walk down King Street to the Wrought, Knit, Labors, Legacies art installation at Waterfront Park.
The vigil will end at 8:15 p.m.
Virginia Tech Announces Advisory Board for Innovation Campus — “The board consists of company leaders along with several tech pioneers. Members include Sanju Bansal, founder and CEO of Hunch Analytics; Dave Calhoun, president and CEO of Boeing; Ted Colbert, executive vice president of Boeing; Joe DeSimone, professor at Stanford University and executive chairman and co-founder of Carbon; Lynne Doughtie, former chairman and CEO of KPMG; Regina Dugan, CEO of Wellcome Leap; Steve Mollenkopf, CEO of Qualcomm; Russ Ramsey, board chair of Greater Washington Partnership; Kathy Warden, CEO, of Northrop Grumman Corporation; Glenn Youngkin, co-chief executive officer of The Carlyle Group.” [Patch]
Beyer: Trump and Republicans Should Feel Same Urgency With COVID-19 as Ginsburg Replacement — “Imagine if Donald Trump and Senate Republicans felt this urgency about responding to a pandemic that has now killed over 200,000 Americans. 4 months ago the House passed a bill to help American families and boost the economy. Mitch McConnell said he didn’t feel any ‘urgency.'” [Twitter]
Volunteers Honored in Virtual Ceremony — “On Saturday, August 29, New Hope Housing (NHH) – an Alexandria nonprofit that helps homeless families and individuals – recognized a group of volunteers at its Annual Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast.” [Zebra]
Little Theatre of Alexandria Auditioning for ‘A Christmas Carol’ — “LTA’s A Christmas Carol for 2020 will be the most unique ever. It will feature live, virtual, and animated elements. We are looking for a family who can portray Mr. Cratchit, Mrs. Cratchit, and Tiny Tim. Tiny Tim will also portray Turkey Boy and Boy Scrooge. These three characters will participate in Zoom rehearsals in October and three rehearsals at LTA in early November, with a taping date of Saturday, November 15.” [Facebook]
Tall Ship Providence Gets Repaired — “Our Providence team has had a very busy weekend! While in the boat yard, they have sanded the hull to prepare it for a new coat of paint and performed other routine maintenance in preparation for the scheduled Coast Guard inspection.” [Facebook]
Today’s Weather — “Sunny skies (during the day). High 72F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Clear skies (at night). Low 54F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.” [Weather.com]
New Job:Â Global Trade Group Command Media Manager — “Manage of Global Trade Group (GTG) Command Media throughout the lifecycle of drafting to final posting in the corporate electronic library. Reviews draft policies and procedures submitted by corporate trade segments/functions and non-trade functions to ensure alignment with corporate GTG trade-related command media. Recommends changes to ensure alignment with GTG trade policies and procedures. Maintains GTG
records relating to trade policies and procedures, tracks status of all command media submitted to GTG by the Policy Review Board (PRB) and ensures suspense deadlines are met.” [Indeed]
October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and all next month, the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services will light up City Hall (301 King Street) purple in honor of domestic violence victims.
“It’s really beautiful to see,” said City Hall engineer Matt Wise. “We lit up City Hall in purple at the end of August through September 1 to raise awareness of substance use disorders, and next month we’re going to honor and raise awareness for domestic violence victims.”
Last year, there was a candlelight vigil at Market Square to honor the 22 people in Alexandria who have lost their lives to acts of domestic violence since the mid-2000s. The annual event is hosted by the city’s Domestic Violence Intervention Project, and is being put off this year because of the pandemic.
“COVID-19 is having a dramatic effect on our daily lives,” states the city’s Domestic Violence Program. “During a crisis like this, the risk for intimate partner and domestic violence increases and may happen at higher rates. Survivors are also at an increased risk for violence and may need additional service.”
The city’s Sexual Assault Center and Domestic Violence Program is open, and hotlines are available 24/7 at 703-684-7273 [Sexual Assault Hotline] or 703-746-4911 [Domestic Violence Hotline]. Online support is also available with The National Sexual Assault Online Hotline.
City Hall was previously lit up at the end of August in recognition of International Opioid Awareness Day.
To raise awareness and understanding of addiction prevention and treatment on International Overdose Awareness Day,…
Posted by Department of Community & Human Services, City of Alexandria, VA on Sunday, August 30, 2020
Beyer Criticizes Trump Defense of Wisconsin Shooter — “The President stands at the White House podium and defends a man, his supporter, charged with murdering two Americans. This is not surprising, but it is a dark moment for the country. It puts the lie to Trump’s talk of “law and order” — his rhetoric incites violence and murder.” [Twitter]
City Hall Lit Purple for Opioid Awareness — “To raise awareness and understanding of addiction prevention and treatment on International Overdose Awareness Day, August 31, and National Recovery Month in September, the City is lighting City Hall purple with spotlights tonight through September 1.” [Facebook]
Free COVID Testing Tomorrow at William Ramsay Elementary School — “Important information for families regarding free COVID-19 testing at Ramsay Elementary School on Wednesday, September 2 from 4-7pm.” [Twitter]
9 More COVID Cases in Alexandria — “The latest update from the City on COVID-19: Positive tests up 9 to 3,378 in the City 7-day Positivity Rate steady at 4.5% 0 new hospitalizations. Still safer at home, wash hands, wear masks and support our essential workers.” [Twitter]
Fire Department Selling Breast Cancer Awareness Shirts — “AFD breast cancer awareness shirts are now available for purchase online. Orders will be shipped at the end of September, and a portion of the proceeds will go towards the Vola Lawson Memorial Fund.” [Twitter]
Chamber of Commerce Hosting Free Virtual Legislative Reception Next Week — “The highlight of the event will be the release of our 2021 Legislative Agenda, which outlines our advocacy priorities for 2021 and beyond. In addition, Chamber leaders and elected officials will be on hand to answer YOUR questions.” [Alexandria Chamber of Commerce]
Today’s Weather — During the day, “Cloudy. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 81F. Winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph.” At night, “Mostly cloudy during the evening. A few showers developing late. Low 71F. Winds SE at 5 to 10 mph. Chance of rain 30%.” [Weather.com]
New Job: Tanning Salon Manager In Training — “We are looking for outgoing, energetic positive leaders to accurately represent our brand, develop sales teams with a focus on increasing profits, and increasing both customer and employee satisfaction.” [Indeed]
Key Leader Chosen for New VT Campus — “Virginia Tech has found its founding director for the computer science program at its forthcoming Innovation Campus in Alexandria. Sara Hooshangi, a faculty member at George Washington University’s College of Professional Studies since 2010, will join Virginia Tech in January to build the curriculum at the new campus.” [Washington Business Journal]
Va. Tech Flags at Market Square — “Thanks to @AlexandriaVAGov #VirginiaTech flags are flying on Market Square commemorating the one-year anniversary of the #VTInnovationCampus announcement. Snap your photo – they’ll be up all week.” [Twitter]
City Urges Food Bank Donations — “The City of Alexandria urges the public to participate in a regional ‘rolling food collection drive’ to help replenish local food banks before the holiday season. The ‘Food2Feed’ collection drive, sponsored by Howard University and WHUR 96.3, will visit Alexandria’s Market Square (301 King St.) on Tuesday, November 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.” [City of Alexandria]
Smoke from Generator Causes Fire Scare — “AFD on scene of a reported possible fire at 400 Cameron Station Blvd condo complex. Source of smoke determined to be a malfunctioning generator, most firefighters now leaving the scene.” [Twitter]
