Old Town | ALXnow

Morning Notes

Published May 1, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated May 1, 2020 at 10:48AM

Tenants & Workers United Rent Protest Today at 4:30 p.m. — “Join our Caravan or take Action from home this Friday at 4:30PM. The caravan will be from 5pm and will go though Arlandria-Chirilagua to send the message to FREEZE RENTS in VIRGINIA. Don’t have a car?? You can take action from your window/balcony by: Wearing Red or swinging any red cloth; Make a sign with a message to the property managers to cancel rent; Make noise with your pots & pans! Take pictures or videos and use #CANCELRENTVA on social media.” [Facebook]

Inova Nurse Recruitment Team Gives Thanks With Photo Collage — “Our Inova Careers Nursing Recruitment team wanted to show support to our frontline workers who are making an incredible sacrifice to keep us all safe!” [Facebook]

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 30, 2020 at 9:00AM

T.C. Senior Wins $40K Scholarship — “What does it feel like to get a SURPRISE ZOOM CALL from U.S. Senator Mark Warner, Lisa Collis, and daughters Gillian, Eliza & Madison…telling you that you are the first recipient of the Collis Warner Family Scholarship worth $40,000? Just ask T.C. Williams High School Senior Foziya Mohammed! Mohammed received the call this afternoon…’I am shocked and excited! I was nervous I thought this was a call about some kind of problem with my scholarship application. I’m not nervous anymore! Thank you so much. I would tell all of the younger students at T.C. that hard work pays off!'” [Facebook]

Police Respond to Domestic Violence Service Call — “The Alexandria Police Department is investigating a weapon violation in the 1400 block of South Highview Lane. A helicopter is assisting and expect police activity in the area.” [Twitter]

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 29, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated April 29, 2020 at 9:39AM

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]

News

Together We Bake Reopens Kitchen in Time for Mother’s Day

By James Cullum

Published April 28, 2020 at 2:00PM | Updated May 2, 2020 at 2:32AM

Together We Bake, the local nonprofit dedicated to providing comprehensive workforce training and personal development for women in need, just reopened its kitchen just in time for Mother’s Day.

“We figured that we could resume operations in our kitchen and maintain six feet of distance,” Together We Bake Co-Director Elizabeth Bennett-Parker told ALXnow. “The deadline for Mother’s Day orders is this Sunday.”

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 28, 2020 at 9:00AM

Teacher Runs 20 Miles to See Students — “My daughter really misses school and interacting with her friends and teachers, so when Ms. Shannon surprised her Ellie was overwhelmed with excitement. She couldn’t believe that it was actually Ms. Shannon in person.” [Zebra]

T.C. Williams Class of 2020 Making Documentary — “The class of 2020 is making Titan history. Across the city of Alexandria, Titan seniors will be recording their stories all on the same day, May 1. Here’s how it will work: On May 1, anytime between 12:00AM-11:59PM, seniors will answer these questions in 3 short videos of up to 60 seconds each: What do you love? What do you fear? What do you hope for?” [ACPS]

News

Aftertime Comics Folds Up, Waits for Pandemic to End Before Reopening in New Space

By James Cullum

Published April 27, 2020 at 11:30AM | Updated April 27, 2020 at 3:33PM

After 35 years, Aftertime Comics owner David Erskine closes up shop. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

For David Erskine, the last 35 years have passed like the pages of a must-read comic book, and on Saturday he did the unthinkable and took down the sign outside his shop, Aftertime Comics.

“We’re all done here,” Erskine told ALXnow as he unscrewed the sign.

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 27, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated April 27, 2020 at 12:47PM

Hard Times Café Founder Passes Away — “Sad news. @HardTimesFun founder Fred Parker passed away last night. He was a very special friend and an icon in #AlexandriaVA. Thank you Fred for so many memories. You will never be forgotten #RIP” [Twitter]

Birchmere Joins Group to Lobby Congress for Coronavirus Relief — “With large gatherings forbidden throughout the country, the live music industry has ground to a halt, closing revenue streams and putting things like rent and payroll payments in jeopardy. More than 450 venues across the U.S. are banding together under the new group called the National Independent Venue Association to present one voice to lawmakers.” [Washington Business Journal]

News

New Photographer Series Spotlights Life for Old Town Business Owners

By Vernon Miles

Published April 24, 2020 at 3:15PM

Local photographer Sarah Marcella, in partnership with the Old Town Boutique District, travelled to 30 local businesses to take portraits of them at home or in their businesses. Marcella, a press release noted, was safely in her car.

The photoshoot features images of the business owners holding signs saying what community means to them, with answers ranging from “resilient” to “healthy.”

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Morning Notes

By James Cullum

Published April 24, 2020 at 9:00AM | Updated April 24, 2020 at 9:29AM

The Four Mile Run Stream in Alexandria (staff photo by James Cullum)

Alexandria Restaurant Partners Reopening Two More Locations in May — “Alexandria Restaurant Partners will reopen two of its restaurant concepts, Riverside Taco Company and Vola’s Dockside Grill, on May 5.” [Patch]

Del Ray Cafe Gets PPP Loan, Hiring Back Employees — “Our PPP loan came through and we’re bringing back our employees! Starting tomorrow, Friday, April 24th, we will be offering Brunch for carryout every day from 9am-2:30pm. Order from our modified Brunch menu on our website www.delraycafe.com.” [Facebook]

News

Urbano 116 Reopens for Takeout Dining in Old Town

By Vernon Miles

Published April 23, 2020 at 4:30PM

Urbano 116 in Old Town (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

Gradually, some restaurants that closed early on in coronavirus pandemic are starting to reopen with takeout options. The latest of those is Urbano 116, a popular Mexican cuisine spot in Old Town (116 King Street).

Staff at Urbano 116 said the restaurant reopened on Tuesday for takeout and delivery through services like Uber Eats.

News

Layoffs at The Alexandrian and Other Businesses Across the City

By Vernon Miles

Published April 23, 2020 at 3:15PM

The Alexandrian (staff photo by Jay Westcott)

As the coronavirus pandemic keeps businesses closed for longer periods of time, several around Alexandria have filed closing and layoff notices to the state citing COVID-19.

The Alexandrian, a hotel at 480 King Street, was forced to lay off 115 staff, according to the Virginia Employment Commission.