Tenants and Workers United Organizes Rent Protest in Arlandria Friday — “Join our Caravan. THIS FRIDAY at 4:30 P.M.” ️[Facebook]
Here’s an Updated List of Alexandria’s Nonprofit Needs — “This list is updated on a regular basis, so check back regularly to see the latest items needed to support our most vulnerable populations during this critical time. Thank you for caring for our community!” [Volunteer Alexandria]
Hunger Free Alexandria Has Urgent Need for Volunteers Today — “Urgent need for Thursday, April 23, 4:30-7:00 p.m. Hunger Free Alexandria is working with World Central Kitchen to feed our neighbors in need. Bring your mask and help with bagging pre-packaged food and distributing meals. Location is on Mount Vernon Avenue in Arlandria.” [Facebook]
State Legislators Reconvene in Richmond — “My “desk” at one of the most unusual legislative sessions in Virginia history. We begin at noon. You can watch us on the livestream. Virginia Transparency even during COVID-19!” [Mark Levine/Twitter]
Arlandria bar Hops N Shine (3410 Mount Vernon Avenue) is running a GoFundMe for its laid-off kitchen staff.
The bar opened last January and has become a local fixture; full to the point of overflowing on Wednesday trivia nights. Like other restaurants, Hops N Shine is operating a limited carry-out and delivery business, and the company said in the GoFundMe that it’s had to minimize the number of employees for financial and health reasons.
“I would have to say we’re pretty much on schedule,” Mary Winston, the capital improvement paving manager for the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services, told the Del Ray Citizens Association in an online meeting last week.
The improvements are expected the be completed on 1.5 miles of the roadway this summer.
At one second after midnight on Friday, April 10, Alexandria Mayor Justin Wilson bought the first legal mixed beverage for carryout from an establishment in Virginia.
The $30 sale of “Wilson’s Rum Runner” with two pulled pork sandwiches was transacted at Pork Barrel BBQ in Del Ray at 12:00:01 a.m.
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.”
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:
A majority of Alexandria businesses are feeling the pain from COVID-19, but Del Ray’s butcher shop Let’s Meat on the Avenue is limiting the number of items customers can buy.
“It’s just a different animal now, because people are buying in mass quantities because they’re eating at home for their three meals a day,” shop owner Donna Welch told ALXnow. “Now customers can only get two dozen eggs at a time, you can only get two pounds of ground beef at a time, because people were coming in and buying 10 pounds of ground beef and dozens and dozens of eggs.”
Del Ray’s pottery queen Renee Altman has nearly sold enough of her work to pay next month’s rent.
“Support your local potter and buy your Christmas presents now,” Altman told ALXnow. “Everybody’s worried about the restaurants and there’s other small businesses that also need support, like that yarn shop fibre space, and kiskadee and Silver Parrot and all kinds of places.”
ALIVE! Hands Out 20,000 Meals — “More than 500 cars lined up until supplies ran out. Volunteers say they’ll be back at it again, in the same place and time- next week.” [WUSA9]
Fire Department Saves Dog — “With help from Alexandria Animal Control, some of our first responders rescued a Border Collie from a vault in a pond on Seminary Rd. today after the dog decided to have a little fun with some geese. The pup sustained minor injuries & was transported to a vet by the owner.” [Facebook]
As customers stay at home to help flatten the curve of COVID-19’s spread, many Alexandria retailers are feeling the strain. There are still ways, however, to support your local businesses without breaking quarantine.
The Del Ray Business Association has put together a list of social distancing-friendly specials in the area that will help locals support small businesses without exposing yourself or others to coronavirus.
