Memorial services for former Alexandria Mayor Kerry Donley have been announced.

The family will receive guests at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home (1500 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria) on Sunday (July 24) from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., according to an obituary. A prayer service will begin at 6:30 p.m.

Donley, 66, died unexpectedly at his home in Alexandria on Wednesday (July 13). The Alexandria Times reported he died of a heart attack. He lived in the city for nearly six decades.

The obituary notes there will also be a funeral mass at Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church (1427 W. Braddock Road, Alexandria) on Monday, July 25, at 11 a.m., followed by a private interment.

I am sad to learn of the passing of our former Mayor, Kerry Donley.

So much of our progress is built on the transformational work that Kerry led.

More importantly, he was a friend and I will miss him.

Please keep Eva, his daughters and family in your thoughts. pic.twitter.com/6Oh2wr4fMj

— Justin Wilson (@justindotnet) July 14, 2022

Donley was mayor from 1996 to 2003, after which he became chair of the Democratic Party of Virginia for two years. He was also vice mayor from 1994 to 1996, and then again when he returned to politics from 2009 to 2012.

Donley tried running for mayor again in 2015, but lost in a three-way primary between then-Alexandria Mayor Bill Euille and former Mayor Allison Silberberg, the latter going on to win the general election. Professionally, he was the former athletic director at T.C. Williams High School (now Alexandria City High School), and spent years as a senior vice president at John Marshall Bank and Virginia Commerce Bank.

Donley is survived by his wife, Eva, his five children and grandchildren.

Alexandria is holding a community reflection meeting on Saturday (April 23) in remembrance of the 125th anniversary of Joseph McCoy’s lynching.

McCoy, a Black resident of Alexandria, was killed by a lynch mob at the corner of Lee and Cameron streets in 1897. The remembrance ceremony is scheduled for 3 p.m. in Market Square (301 King Street).

“At the remembrance event, community members will recognize the 1897 lynching of Joseph McCoy and the terror it spread throughout the African American community,” a city release noted. “The ceremony will remember McCoy, affirm responsibility for these acts of racial terror, and continue our work to reconcile our past with our present… A procession from Market Square to the corner of Cameron and Lee will conclude the service.”

The annual remembrance ceremony is part of an ongoing effort by the City of Alexandria to reckon with the history of racial violence in Alexandria.

“McCoy’s death was one of two documented lynchings in Alexandria, out of 11 that occurred in Northern Virginia, and among the 100 documented lynchings that occurred in the Commonwealth between 1882 and 1968,” the release said.

(Updated 11:50 p.m.) Alexandria will honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a virtual program on Friday, Jan. 14. It’s the 49th annual celebration commemorating the civil rights leader, and speakers will include U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, Mayor Justin Wilson and retired City Councilwoman Del Pepper.

Monday is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day — a national holiday all across the country — and Alexandria has recognized the fallen civil rights leader every year since 1973.

This year’s theme is “It Starts With Me: Shifting Priorities to Create the Beloved Community,” and the program also includes a performance by the Alexandria City High School Orchestra, and a presentations by activist Rosa Byrd and outgoing City Manager Mark Jinks.

The event will begin at 7 p.m. virtual event and can be seen on the City’s website, social media and cable channels 70/1084.

The City will honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in a virtual community program premiering Friday, January 14, at 7 p.m. The program will be available on the City’s website, social media and cable channels 70/1084. Details: https://t.co/WgxhSZQmPB.

— AlexandriaVAGov (@AlexandriaVAGov) January 10, 2022

Photo via National Park Service/Flickr

Alexandria honored its military veterans on Monday in Del Ray, in one of the first public events in the city since the easing of COVID-19 restrictions on Friday.

Mayor Justin Wilson and Vice Mayor Elizabeth Bennett-Parker were among the attendees at Monday afternoon’s event, which was held at the Captain Rocky Versace Plaza and Vietnam Veterans Memorial outside the Mount Vernon Recreation Center.

“Throughout our 272 years of history, Alexandria’s sons and daughters have been called to service in our nation’s defense,” said Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson. “They have spilled blood around the planet in wars and conflicts defending our freedoms and ideals. On Memorial Day, we remember those who did not return from conflict and provided the ultimate sacrifice to our nation. We are eternally grateful.”

This was the first time that the event has been held outside and in person since 2018. Last year’s event was canceled by the pandemic, and the 2019 event was held indoors because of rain.

U.S. Army Capt. Humbert Roque “Rocky” Versace is the sole Alexandrian to win the Medal of Honor, and is among 68 residents who died in the Vietnam War.

Throughout our City’s history, Alexandrians have given their lives in defense of our nation’s security and ideals.

Today, we again gather at the Rocky Versace Memorial to pay tribute to those who did not return. pic.twitter.com/QldHoArQ21

— Justin Wilson (@justindotnet) May 31, 2021

This Memorial Day, APD honors the brave men and women of the U.S. Armed Forces who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country, giving us the freedom we enjoy today.

To honor them, APD family members are doing the challenging "Murph" Workout. #MemorialDay #MurphWorkout

— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) May 31, 2021

We're still going! pic.twitter.com/96RtD91HPB

— Alexandria Police (@AlexandriaVAPD) May 31, 2021

Photo via Friends of Rocky Versace/Facebook

It’s Memorial Day weekend in Alexandria, and it’s also a short work week for ALXnow.

Yes, we’re taking a quick breather by taking off most of tomorrow (Friday, May 28).

Not to worry. We’re still covering tonight’s mayoral debate between Mayor Justin Wilson and former Mayor Allison Silberberg at 7 p.m. This will be the fourth and final candidate conversation hosted by the Seminary Ridge Civic Association, and our story will be published on Friday morning.

Our top post this week is about Hilco Redevelopment Partners, which is planning to host guided tours of the Potomac River Generating Station (PRGS) site in Old Town North. The tours will be held on June 4 and 5, and the property is being planned for a mixed-use development.

On a sad note, former Virginia Senator John Warner passed away this week at his home in Old Town. He was 94, and is being recognized around the country as a conservative icon from a bygone age of political cordiality. Also, on Sunday, former Alexandria Delegate Richard R.G. Hobson died.

And local businesses are adapting to this Friday’s easing of COVID restrictions throughout Virginia. In Alexandria, the Health Department is launching the new ALX Promise Gold accreditation program for businesses to complete in the days ahead.

Election stories

• City Council candidate Sarah Bagley wants to be a voice for Alexandria women
• City Council candidate Kirk McPike says he wants to bridge divisions with community conversations
• City Council candidates talk Seminary Road Diet, transparency and ward representation (Part 3)

Important stories

• Homegrown Restaurant Group gives employees raise to $15 an hour, will ease COVID restrictions at 6 restaurants
• Ownership of Landmark’s streets could make a big difference down the road
• Poll: Do you agree with adding a pool to the city’s high school expansion?
• Alexandria private school to temporarily move into Old Town church
• Alexandria makes a splash with aquatics reopening announcement
• New private academy in Old Town headed to Planning Commission
• Alexandria juveniles arrested for gun possession

Top stories

1. Developer offers tours of abandoned Alexandria power plant before demolition
2. Amazon Fresh supermarket planned for former Shopper’s Food Warehouse in Potomac Yard
3. Photos: More than half of the Potomac Yard Metro Station is complete
4. School Board says swimming pool colocation a form of ‘reparations’ for Alexandria
5. Go-go music star-turned Alexandria teacher ‘Sugar Bear’ in the spotlight after Oscars shoutout
6. Here’s a list of restaurants and other businesses for sale in Alexandria
7. Here’s a preview of what’s ahead for Alexandria’s post-pandemic economic development
8. Catholic Charities hopes to turn vacant Carlyle restaurant into workforce training kitchen
9. Here’s the order that City Council candidates will appear on the ballot for the June 8 democratic primary
10. Former Alexandria Delegate Richard R.G. Hobson dies
11. Alexandria Police investigating knife fight, prostitution and drugs at West End hotel

Have a safe weekend!

All Alexandria government offices will be closed on Memorial Day.

The holiday will also see free parking all around the city, a Sunday-like operating schedule for DASH buses and the opening of the Potomac Yard interactive fountain from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The festivities begin with the sold-out 43rd annual Alexandria Jazz Festival on Saturday, May 29.

The city and Visit Del Ray calendars do not, however, include the formerly annual Memorial Day Ceremony at Rocky Versace Plaza and Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial in Del Ray. The event was also canceled last year due to the pandemic.

Below is the city’s list of what’s open and closed on Monday, May 31.

Resource Recovery: Residential refuse and recycling will not be collected  May 31. Collection services will be delayed one day during the week to account for the Monday holiday. Visit Resource and Recovery for more information. The Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Collection Center (3224 Colvin St.) is now regularly open on Saturdays and Mondays; however, it is closed May 31.

Animal Shelter: The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria will be open May 31, by appointment only. To make an appointment, email info@alexandriaanimals.org or call 703.746.4774.

Health Department: The Alexandria Health Department (4480 King St.), the Flora Krause Casey Health Center (1200 N. Howard St.) and the Teen Wellness Center at T.C. Williams High School (3330 King St.) will be closed May 31.

Historic Alexandria: All City museums will be closed May 31. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic or call 703.746.4554.

Hotlines: All emergency hotlines operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, including the child protective services hotline at 703.746.5800; the domestic violence hotline at 703.746.4911; the emergency services for mental health or substance abuse crisis hotline at 703.746.3401; the adult protective services hotline at 703.746.5778 and the sexual assault hotline at 703.683.7273. For immediate police, fire or emergency medical assistance, call or text 911.

Libraries: All Alexandria Library branches and the Alexandria Law Library (520 King St.) will be closed May 31. Visit Alexandria Library for more information.

Parking: On May 31, the Alexandria Police Department will suspend enforcement of parking restrictions for metered spaces, residential permit parking districts and other areas with posted parking time limits. This suspension of enforcement applies only to the restrictions at legal parking spaces and does not permit parking in any location normally prohibited, including no parking zones, loading zones or spaces for persons with disabilities. Temporary no-parking signs will be enforced May 31.

Impound Lot: The City’s Impound Facility (5249 Eisenhower Ave.) will be closed May 31.

Recreation, Nature and Arts Centers: On May 31, Charles Houston and Patrick Henry Recreation Centers, and Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility, will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All other City recreation, nature and art centers will be closed.

Outdoor Pools: All City pools will be open starting June 26.

Schools: All Alexandria City Public Schools and administrative offices will be closed May 31.

Courts: The Alexandria Circuit Court; the Clerk of Circuit Court; the Alexandria General District Court; the Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court; and the Court Service Unit (located at 520 King St.) will be closed May 31. Visit alexandriava.gov/Courts for more information.

Department of Motor Vehicles: On May 31, all Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) offices will be closed. All Virginia DMV locations in Northern Virginia (including 2681 Mill Road) remain closed to the public until further notice. Many DMV services are available online.

Transit: On May 31, regular DASH bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule. Service on the free King Street Trolley remains suspended until further notice. For more information, visit dashbus.com.

(Updated 12:10 p.m.) Alexandria Nearing 4,000 cases of COVID-19 — “The latest update from the City on COVID-19: Positive tests up 6 to 3,938 in the City (84 in last 7 days) 7-day Positivity Rate down to 4.0% 0 new hospitalizations Still safer at home, wash hands and wear masks.” [Twitter]

The Majestic Reopens After 8-Month Hiatus — “Diners can expect an all-new menu offering seasonal dishes such as Roasted Parsnip Agnolotti with black truffle, bacon jam and parmesan ($12), vegetarian Preserved Smoked Beet Tartare ($9) with crispy capers, horseradish yogurt, shallots and almonds, and of course there’s the Majestic Burger ($17) or Rigatoni & Eggplant for $18.” [Alexandria Living]

Del Ray Halloween Parade Goes Virtual — “Kids and pets decked out in spooky costumes won’t line the streets of Mount Vernon Avenue for Del Ray’s annual Halloween Parade in 2020 due to the pandemic.” [Patch]

Fire Department Annual Wreath Laying Closed to Public — “Due to the pandemic, our annual wreath laying & memorial service at Ivy Hill Cemetery will be closed to the public and recorded for later viewing. AFD will make video of the ceremony available to the public on Oct. 10.”  [Twitter]

Friendship Firehouse to Open October 10 — “In honor of Fire Prevention Week, Friendship Firehouse Museum will be open October 10 from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. The Friendship Fire Company, established in 1774, was the first fire company in Alexandria, comprised of member volunteers across the community. Today the Friendship Firehouse, built in 1855, houses buckets, hoses, axes, and Friendship’s mid-19th century elaborately decorated suction engine.” [Facebook]

Today’s Weather — “A mainly sunny sky (during the day). High around 70F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Clear skies (in the evening). Low 48F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.” [Weather.com]

New Job: Public Relations Manager — “The ideal candidate for this position will work with our marketing manager team to identify, evaluate, select and monitor the most relevant PR for our organization, including (but not limited to): press releases, articles, blog posts, video content, web content and marketing.” [Indeed]

Memorial Service for Coach Boone — “Family, friends and complete strangers on Saturday remembered Herman Boone, the iconic T.C. Williams High School head football coach who led the team to a championship in 1971.” [Fox 5, Facebook, WTOP]

Local Group Celebrates 50th Anniversary — “In May 1969, a group of concerned Alexandrians from several churches met to discuss how they could ‘re-emphasize the role, and renew the efforts, of the local churches in providing assistance to people in need.’ The group formed a nonprofit organization called ALIVE!… At a legislative meeting last month, city council issued a proclamation acknowledging ALIVE!’s 50th anniversary.” [Alexandria Times]

More On Juvenile Detention Facility — “More than two-thirds of the cells at the Northern Virginia Juvenile Detention Center are empty on this gray, rainy morning in December, and not just because the 22 teenagers housed there are in classes or meetings in other parts of the facility… The three Northern Virginia communities — Arlington, Falls Church and Alexandria — that share the $5.8 million operating cost of the facility just south of Landmark Mall in Alexandria are wondering whether there is a better option.” [Washington Post]

New Hotel Opening in Old Town — “The New Hyatt Centric in Alexandria is accepting reservations for March 1, 2020. The hotel, at 1611 King St., will have a restaurant on site. It will have 124 rooms. The hotel will be pet-friendly and include a fitness center.” [Alexandria Living]

Local Zip Code Among State’s Priciest for Renters — “Alexandria, one of the most competitive real estate markets, is also one of the state’s priciest for renting an apartment… Alexandria’s zip code 22314 is the eighth most expensive in Virginia. The average $2,145 rent has a 3.8 percent year-over-year change.” [Patch]

Wreath-Laying for Fallen Firefighters — “The Alexandria Fire Department will observe National Fire Prevention Week on Friday, October 11 with a memorial service and wreath laying at 11 a.m. The solemn ceremony is held each year at Ivy Hill Cemetery, located at 2823 King St., to honor those who have died in the line of duty and members of the Fire Department who have passed away during the preceding 12 months.” [City of Alexandria, Twitter]