Old Town | ALXnow

Morning Notes

Published October 30, 2020 at 9:00AM

Beyer Calls Trump ‘Super Spreader in Chief’ — “The Super-Spreader-In-Chief strikes again. From coast to coast he visits American communities spreading dangerous aversion to science and public health precautions. He brings large groups of people together under unsafe conditions in state after state, and this is what results.” [Twitter]

Halloween Weekend Events in Alexandria — “While Alexandria police are not planning to close down Lee Street for the annual Halloween party, there are lots of activities Halloween weekend.” [Alexandria Living]

News

Identity Released of Old Town North Suspect Killed in Shootout

By James Cullum

Published October 29, 2020 at 1:15PM | Updated October 29, 2020 at 1:37PM

Alexandria Police lights (staff photo by James Cullum)

Virginia State Police have identified the 27-year-old suspect who died in a shootout with Alexandria police in Old Town North on Monday, October 26.

Michael K. Nelson of Fairfax County was found dead with a stolen firearm near the intersection of Montgomery Street and North Fairfax Street, according to Virginia State Police. His alleged accomplice, 26-year-old Mitchell Thompson, later turned himself in and was charged with possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

News

Restaurants and Other Businesses for Sale in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published October 28, 2020 at 1:15PM

In the market to buy a business? Sometimes it can be easier than starting from scratch.

We took a look through Alexandria listings of the website BizBuySell and found a number of businesses for sale. Many are restaurants, which have been heavily impacted the last several months due to the pandemic.

News

Police: Shots Fired in Braddock Area on Monday Night

By James Cullum

Published October 27, 2020 at 3:45PM

An Alexandria police cruiser (staff photo by James Cullum)

No one was injured after shots were fired near the Braddock Road metro station on Monday night (October 26), according to the Alexandria Police Department.

The incident occurred at around 9 p.m. in the 700 block of North West Street. The area is near public housing, the Braddock Road Metro station and a number of local businesses.

News

City Looking on Feedback to Send Art Installation at Waterfront Park to Old Town Pool

By James Cullum

Published October 26, 2020 at 5:05PM

New public art at Waterfront Park (Photo by James Cullum)

The Wrought, Knit, Labors, Legacies art installation at Waterfront Park will be taken down next month at Waterfront Park, and the public is being asked to weigh in on a proposal to temporarily move the installation outside of Old Town Pool (1609 Cameron Street).

The four figurative sculptures by Olalekan Jeyifous are meant to convey Alexandria’s history with African American quilting and textile designs, and was unveiled in March. The installation is the second to occupy the public art space at Waterfront Park, after the Mirror Mirror installation in 2019.

News

ALXnow’s Top Stories this Week in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published October 23, 2020 at 5:00PM | Updated October 30, 2020 at 4:10PM

This was a big week for Alexandria.

Our top story this week was the Alexandria School Board’s decision to reopen schools for students with disabilities, while the future reopening of school for elementary, middle and high schoolers remains in doubt.

News

Alexandria’s Freedom House Museum Opening Planned for Spring 2021

By James Cullum

Published October 23, 2020 at 2:30PM

Franklin and Armfield exhibit in the Freedom House museum (photo via Historic Alexandria/Facebook)

The Freedom House Museum is planning for a spring opening, according to the Office of Historic Alexandria.

City Council will receive the news in its legislative meeting on Tuesday. The Office of Historic Alexandria will be unveiling its 2020-2025 strategic plan to Council, and the museum is being planned to open this spring.

News

Here Are Low-Risk Halloween Activities in Alexandria

By James Cullum

Published October 23, 2020 at 10:30AM

The annual Lee Street gathering with trick-or-treaters isn’t happening this Halloween, and the city is recommending low-risk activities.

“While the spread of COVID-19 remains a threat, residents are encouraged to find safe ways to enjoy Halloween and Dia de los Muertos,” according to the city.

News

The Chewish Deli Opens New Location in Old Town

By James Cullum

Published October 21, 2020 at 5:00PM | Updated October 21, 2020 at 5:32PM

Fresh photos from The Chewish Deli (Photo via The Chewish Deli/Fcebook)

Gregg Linzey wants to set the standard for bagels in Northern Virginia, and last Thursday he and his small team opened The Chewish Deli at 807 Pendleton Street in Old Town.

What’s the secret to making a good bagel?

News

Female Suspect Flees, Nothing Taken in Attempted Old Town Bank Robbery

By James Cullum

Published October 21, 2020 at 2:30PM

Alexandria Police lights (staff photo by James Cullum)

Nothing was taken in an attempted robbery at the BB&T Bank at 300 S. Washington Street on Tuesday, October 11.

At around 4:45 p.m., which is 15 minutes before the bank closes, a woman walked into the bank and handed a teller a note demanding money. Nothing was taken and the suspect fled the scene, according to Alexandria Police spokesman Lt. Courtney Ballantine.

News

Photos: City Hall Lit Purple for Domestic Violence Awareness Day

By James Cullum

Published October 21, 2020 at 10:30AM | Updated October 21, 2020 at 10:51AM

City Hall at Market Square in Old Town is being lit purple at night in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Day on Oct. 22. (Staff photo by James Cullum)

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.