The Alexandria Drive-In Theatre is returning with 10 movies in March, including cult classics like Jurassic Park, The Princess Bride and Remember the Titans.

All proceeds go to Athena Rapid Response Innovation Lab and the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria.

“Since the launch last August, the Alexandria Drive-In has quickly become a community staple, providing families and households with a safe activity during such a difficult time,” said Allen Brooks, Alexandria Drive-In co-founder. “The nostalgia of drive-ins mixed with the desire to be around others safely is something special, and we’re happy to be able to bring the community back together while fundraising for the Athena Rapid Response Innovation Lab as well as the Scholarship Fund of Alexandria.”

Athena Rapid Response has taken the helm of the event from Kelly Grant, a partner at ALX Community. Under Grant, the effort raised more than $100,000 for Alexandria nonprofits.

“I have never been more inspired with this community coming together as we did with the Alexandria Drive-In,” said Grant. “With ALX Community opening its third location, we are excited that Athena Rapid Response is going to carry the torch and continue the Alexandria Drive In. Stay tuned for many new community based initiatives that ALX will pioneer in 2021.”

Each screening can hold 215 cars, and tickets cost $40 per car. The movies are screened in the Victory Center parking lot at 5001 Eisenhower Avenue.

The March Movie Lineup is below:

• Friday, March 5, 7:00 p.m. — Jurassic Park
• Saturday, March 6, 6:30 p.m. — The Princess Bride
• Saturday, March 6, 9:30 p.m. — Black Panther
• Friday, March 12, 7:00 p.m. — Back to the Future
• Saturday, March 13, 6:30 p.m. — Despicable Me
• Saturday, March 13, 9:30 p.m. — Karate Kid
• Friday, March 19, 7:30 p.m. — Goonies
• Saturday, March 20, 7:30 p.m. — Into the Spider Verse
• Friday, March 26, 7:30 p.m. — Get Out
• Saturday, March 27, 7:30 p.m. — Remember the Titans

It was a cold week in Alexandria.

With bits of snow and temperatures hovering at around freezing, our top story this week was on Allison Priebe, the local business owner who was robbed while pumping gas in Old Town. Police later released suspect photos and advise anyone pumping gas to keep their keys with them and lock their vehicles.

On the coronavirus front, Alexandria is now at 9,903 cases and no new deaths, which is an increase of about 150 cases since Monday’s report. Meanwhile, as the city contends with a growing vaccine waiting list, the Health Department is warning residents of COVID-19 vaccine scams.

More than 260 people participated in our weekly poll. This week we asked about voting in the upcoming City Council and mayoral elections, and 87% plan on voting in the primary and general election; 6% only plan on voting in the primary; 5% aren’t voting and 1% will only vote in the primary.

In case you missed them, here are some other important stories this week:

• Developers Lay Out Multi-Year Timeline for GenOn Plant Redevelopment
• Superintendent: Sports Start Again at ACPS Next Week
• Sarah Bagley Files Paperwork to Run for City Council
• Mark Center Office Building Sold for $71.7 Million
• Exercise Clothing Store Athleta to Replace La Tasca in Old Town
• Director of Finance: Alexandria’s Real Estate Assessments Are a ‘Tale of Two Markets’

Here are our top stories of the week in Alexandria:

1. Local Business Owner Robbed of Car While Pumping Gas at Old Town Gas Station
2. BREAKING: Large Power Outage Reported in Old Town
3. ACPS Releases Semifinalist Names for T.C. Williams High School and Matthew Maury Elementary School Renaming
4. Just In: ‘QAnon Shaman’ from Capitol Siege Transferred to Alexandria Jail
5. Poll: What Do You Think of the Proposed Heritage Development in Old Town
6. Mayor: Brace Yourselves, It Could be End of Summer Before City Moves into Next Vaccine Phase
7. BREAKING: Councilman Mo Seifeldein Running for Alexandria Mayor, Hatch Act Conflict in Question
8. Alexandria Sheriff: Jailed ‘QAnon Shaman’s’ Organic Food Request is Normal
9. Just In: James Lewis Files Paperwork to Enter City Council Race
10. Photos: The Regal Potomac Yard Movie Theater is Being Torn Down
11. City Councilman’s Virtual Super Bowl Party Ambushed by Racists and Nazi Trolls

Photo via Alexandria Police

What a news-filled week in Alexandria.

Things got off to a snowy start on Monday and Tuesday, as the city was under a winter weather advisory.

Our top post was a poll regarding the proposed Heritage Development in Old Town. Nearly 1,500 people voted, and 52% don’t have a problem with it. The development was approved unanimously by the Planning Commission and now goes to City Council for consideration.

One of the most important stories of the week was the decision announced Thursday to resume in-person classes at Alexandria City Public Schools on March 16.

On the coronavirus front, there has been an additional death since Monday’s weekly COVID-19 update. The death toll from the virus now stands at 105, and the number of cases is 9,630. That’s more than 500 cases since Monday. The city’s seven-day moving average is now at 41.1 cases, which is down 14 cases since Monday. Additionally, there are more than 30,000 city residents on the waiting list to get the vaccine.

This week, Alexandria Police mourned the loss of parking enforcement officer Edward Bonds to COVID-19. This is the department’s first death due to complications from the virus.

In case you missed them, here are some important stories from the week:

1. Alexandria Boxer Troy Isley Goes Pro With Big Fight Next Week
2. Psychologist Lauren Fisher Elected Del Ray Business Association President
3. Overhaul of Eisenhower Baseball Field Up to Bat at Planning Commission
4. From Layoff to Liquorice: West End Business Owner Creates Candy Store Amid Pandemic
5. Just In: James Lewis Files Paperwork to Enter City Council Race

Here are our top stories this week in Alexandria:

1. Poll: What Do You Think of the Proposed Heritage Development in Old Town
2. New West End Residential Development Headed to Planning Commission
3. Heritage Project Now Goes to City Council After Unanimous Planning Commission Approval
4. BREAKING: Councilman Mo Seifeldein Running for Alexandria Mayor, Hatch Act Conflict in Question
5. Poll: Should the City’s Taylor Run Stream Restoration Project Go Forward?
6. Revamped ‘ESP’ on King Street Ditches Old Ownership and Controversies
7. Stream Restoration in Alexandria Attracts a Deluge of Controversy
8. ACPS: Community is Generally Opposed to Affordable Housing at T.C. Expansion
9. Just In: ‘QAnon Shaman’ from Capitol Siege Transferred to Alexandria Jail
10. Weather Alert: Up to Eight Inches of Snow Expected in Alexandria
11. Photos: The Regal Potomac Yard Movie Theater is Being Torn Down

Have a safe weekend!

Image via City of Alexandria

The first phase of Virginia Tech’s massive Innovation Campus development is underway with the demolition of the Regal Potomac Yard movie theater, which closed in March due to the pandemic and never reopened.

The one-story theater first opened in 1998, and “is an example of a typical multi-screen movie theater built during the late 1990’s throughout the region,” according to a city staff report.

In its place will go a pump station that will handle sanitary sewer flows for Virginia Tech’s Sewer to Wastewater Energy Exchange system for the 1.9 million square-foot mixed use development. The pump station will be owned and maintained by AlexRenew.

Demolition of the old Regal Cinema is happening now and soon we will see construction of the @VTinnovation campus! pic.twitter.com/P3GUrmpUcz

— John Taylor Chapman (@j_chapman99) January 25, 2021

Demolition of the theater started more than a week ago. A construction worker at the site said that the front section of the theater, which included the box office and concession stands, will likely be torn down by the end of the week.

Alexandria Health Department Holding COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for High-Risk Groups — “The Alexandria Health Department (AHD) is currently registering essential employees for a COVID-19 vaccine clinic. The clinic is also open to residents with “underlying medical conditions and those over 65.” [Zebra]

New 12-Acre Park Coming to Mount Vernon Area of Fairfax — “By the end of this year, a new 12-acre park will open at the new North Hill development site. At a virtual meeting Wednesday evening, members of the Fairfax County Park Authority (FCPA) presented details on North Hill park.” [Alexandria Living Magazine]

Alexandria Times Podcast Celebrates One Year Anniversary — “In 2020, the Alexandria Times launched its first podcast, Speak Easy, and over the last year reporter-turned-managing-editor Cody Mello-Klein has spoken with the people who make Alexandria tick.” [Alexandria Times]

T.C. Students React to Capitol Hill Events — “Hundreds of T.C. Titans took to social media to further air out their frustrations and anger, comparing how the pro-Trump demonstrators were treated to how the Black Lives Matter demonstrators were treated a few short months ago.” [Theogony]

Visit Alexandria Capitalized on Wonder Woman Spotlight — “Calling all ‘Wonder Woman: 1984’ fans. Visit Alexandria is giving residents and tourists a look into how the film was made.” [Local DMV]

Staff photo by Jay Westcott

The Virginia Tourism Bureau is going all-in on exploiting one Alexandria scene in the fairly mediocre new Wonder Woman movie.

A new display will feature a “Virginia is for Lovers” drum prop featured for a split second during one action sequence when a goon gets thrown through it.

“The recently-released Warner Bros. film Wonder Woman 1984, which shot for several weeks in Alexandria, VA in the spring and summer of 2018, features a special product placement with Virginia Tourism’s iconic Virginia is for Lovers brand featured on a large-scale prop,” the Virginia Tourism Bureau said in a press release. “The prop will be on display in Old Town Alexandria January 7 to February 28, 2021 and will be accompanied by more film-inspired experiences.”

The film was released in some theaters and on HBO Max on Christmas.

“Having a colossal film like Wonder Woman 1984 shoot in the Commonwealth was a huge financial win — the project had a total economic impact of over $45 million during their relatively brief time on the ground,” said Virginia Film Office director Andy Edmunds in a press release. “Having millions of audience members now see the iconic Virginia is for Lovers logo up on both the large and small screens provides immeasurable brand visibility that will have a positive effect for years to come.”

Several self-guided Wonder Woman themed tours are scheduled to launch in early January, along with deals at some Alexandria businesses from cocktails to tattoos.

“Alexandria really came together to support the filming of Wonder Woman 1984 with coordination from the Alexandria Film Office, which is operated by Visit Alexandria, plus incredible support from the City of Alexandria and dozens of City departments and public safety officials,” Visit Alexandria president and CEO Patricia Washington said in the press release. “We’re thrilled Warner Bros. chose Alexandria for the filming of Wonder Woman 1984 and are excited to host a display of the drum prop as we present additional film-inspired experiences.”

Other local businesses with Wonder Woman themed discounts, according to the press release, include:

• Wonder Woman Wednesdays from Port City Brewing Co. in January 2021 with any two six-packs or a variety 12-pack available for $19.84 with pre-order for curbside pickup at the brewery.
• Original permanent and temporary tattoo designs inspired by Wonder Woman 1984 from the artists of inq Tattoos Old Town, a woman-and-veteran-owned tattoo boutique. Available with 5% off these services in January and February 2021; masks and appointments required.
• WW84 themed 3-flavor popcorn package from America’s Favorite Gourmet Popcorn for $19.84 featuring a red, white and blue edition of K-Street Kettle Korn plus Capital Caramel popcorn and America’s Favorite popcorn. Available January 7 through February 28, 2021; can be purchased online for shipping or pickup at the Alexandria store or purchased in-person at the Alexandria store and assembled while you wait.
• “Truth Teller” donut from Elizabeth’s Counter, inspired by always-honest Wonder Woman and her Lasso of Truth. A vanilla glazed donut is sprinkled with a marvelous a blend of red, white, blue and gold and silver stars. Available January 7 through February 28, 2021; order online for curbside pickup or pre-ordering; limited quantity available in-store.
• “A Deal is a Promise” cocktail from Captain Gregory’s, inspired by Diana’s iconic line in the 2017 Wonder Woman film. The cocktail features persimmon-infused pisco, Strega, Cynar and persimmon bitters. Available January 7 through February 28, 2021; offered on site at Captain Gregory’s with outdoor seating available or to-go from sister restaurant Elizabeth’s Counter with food purchase.
• “The Invisible Plane” cocktail at Vola’s Dockside Grill and the Hi-Tide Lounge, inspired by Diana’s invisible jet from the original DC Comics, which has been teased in the Wonder Woman 1984 trailer. The cocktail is crafted with Sauza Hornitos tequila, raspberry, ginger and fresh lime juice, rimmed with raw sugar and topped with an invisible plane. Available on site only January 7 to February 28, 2021; heated outdoor seating is available.

Image via Warner Brothers

Two years after it filmed in Alexandria’s Landmark Mall and D.C., Wonder Woman 1984 was released on HBO on Christmas.

The revived Landmark Mall is featured in an early action sequence, thought the exterior shots of the mall changed the name and Fairfax County police — not Alexandria — are featured in the scene. In 1984, the mall would have also been an outdoor mall, as the mall was only enclosed in 1990. The film also features several scenes in Georgetown and other parts of D.C.

Locals online said they got a kick out of seeing Landmark Mall in a restored state before its turned into a hospital.

Honestly Landmark Mall never looked this good #WW84 pic.twitter.com/ZmWm7wTuUh

— History Girl (@AlexNoVaHistory) December 26, 2020

me when i saw landmark mall in wonder woman 1984 pic.twitter.com/p9us6SMpvy

— michael (@mike_lozano99) December 26, 2020

If you saw the movie, do you think it lived up to the hype? Sound off in the comments:

Photo via Warner Brothers

On Friday, a government contractor is finally moving into the Victory Center.

The first Jason Bourne movie, The Bourne Identity, is the featured screening at The Victory Center (5001 Eisenhower Avenue). Drive-in movies have been popular this year, with movie theaters remaining closed.

The event is sponsored by The Garden and ALX Community. Tickets are $35 per car and benefit local non-profit Athena Rapid Response.

The program is scheduled to begin at 7:45 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4.

Food trucks are also scheduled to be on-site providing savory and sweet concessions with online ordering.

Staff photo by Jay Westcott

Alexandria Featured in Profiles on Region’s Oldest Homes — “One of the interesting aspects of the Ball-Sellers House is that some of the original roof is protected under a later roof. That’s also the case with the oldest surviving house in Alexandria: 517 Prince St., or what’s known as the Murray-Dick-Fawcett House. The oldest part of the house dates to 1772. There is access to the space between the old roof and the roof that was later built above it at a less-severe pitch.” [Washington Post]

West End Contractor Wins Big Missile System Contract — “The U.S. Navy awarded Alexandria-based Systems Planning and Analysis Inc. (SPA) an $85 million contract to provide technical support for the Trident II submarine-launched ballistic missile system, the company announced this week.” [Virginia Business]

ACPS Food Distribution Closed for Thanksgiving Break — “ACPS food distribution sites will be closed this Wednesday, Nov. 25 and Friday, Nov. 27 for Thanksgiving Break.” [Twitter]

Alexandria Regal Hiring Staff Again — “Floor Staff team members are classified based on individual theatre needs, and/or employee availability, as either variable hour, part-time fixed, part-time regular or full-time hourly employees whose primary responsibility is ensuring our guests receive exceptional service.” [Glassdoor]

George Washington’s River Farm Listed for Sale — “River Farm, the 27-acre property once owned by George Washington that now serves as the headquarters for the American Horticultural Society, was officially listed on the open real estate market at $32.9 million on Nov. 13.” [Alexandria Times]

Staff photo by James Cullum

The Halloween spooky season isn’t quite over. Tomorrow is Friday, Nov. 13, and Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe and Wine Bar (109 S. Alfred Street) wants you to spend the unlucky day watching House on Haunted Hill with a black cat.

“Black cats and popcorn are the only way to celebrate Friday the 13th,” the cafe said on its Facebook page. “Watch House on Haunted Hill and spend some time with our resident kitties. Popcorn and soda (or tea, coffee) included in ticket price!”

The program is scheduled to run from 7-9 p.m. and tickets are $30 per person. Popcorn and tea or coffee will also be available during the program.

Mount Purrnon — which opened in August — is a cafe guests can visit with adoptable cats who roam the building.

Photo via Mount Purrnon Cat Cafe/Facebook