With temperatures expected in the 90s until next week, Alexandria is offering cooling centers at recreation centers and libraries.

Thursday’s temperature (July 21) is expected to reach 98 degrees, with a heat index of 104, according to the National Weather Service. The high temperatures are anticipated to reach 95 degrees on Friday, 99 degrees on Saturday, 100 degrees on Sunday, 93 degrees on Monday and then 89 degrees next Tuesday.

“Prolonged exposure to hot temperatures and high humidity can cause heat-related illnesses, such as heat exhaustion, cramps, or in extreme cases, heat stroke,” the city said in a release. “During extended heat waves, people are advised to stay indoors and limit their exposure to the sun; drink plenty of water, and wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.”

Additionally, the Potomac Yard Interactive Fountain at Potomac Yard Park is open daily from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. until Labor Day.

Alexandria is also advising residents to visit city pools on its heat safety webpage.

Cooling centers are scheduled at these locations:

• Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe St.) — 9 a.m.to 9 p.m. during the week, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday
• Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center (25 W. Reed Ave.) — 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the week, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, closed on Sunday
• Lee Center (1108 Jefferson St.) — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m during the week, closed on weekends
• Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Ave.) — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed on Sunday
• Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center (1108 Jefferson St.) — 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during the week, closed on weekends
• Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Ave.) — 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday
• William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Ave.) — 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the week, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, closed on Sunday

Libraries

• Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library (5005 Duke St.)
• Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library (717 Queen St.)
• Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library (4701 Seminary Road)
• James M. Duncan Branch Library (2501 Commonwealth Ave.)

Technically it’s still spring, but with the warm and sunny weather it feels like summer is in full force and locals are hitting the pools.

Alexandria’s city-owned pools opened in late May, though many private pools around town have also opened over the last month.

There are three outdoor city-owned pools that opened Memorial Day weekend and one — Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility — that’s an indoor pool open year-round.

Via Brian Matangelo/Unsplash

The City of Alexandria’s outdoor pools and the Potomac Yard Park’s interactive fountain are scheduled to go live this weekend, running through this fall.

The water activities are scheduled to open on Saturday, May 28. The pools will remain open through Friday, Sept. 9, while the fountain will shut down on Oct. 15.

The Potomac Yard interactive fountain is located between the playgrounds at 2501 Potomac Avenue. It features 36 water jets with programmed sequences and lighting for nighttime effects. Shoes must be worn while using the fountain.

The fountain is open from 10 a.m.-9 p.m. daily until September 5, then from 10 a.m.-8 p.m. until Oct. 15.

The city has three outdoor pools which will have both scheduled programming and recreational open swimming for the next few months.

According to the city’s release, those are:

Old Town Pool (1609 Cameron Street): This complex includes a large pool with eight 25-yard lap lanes and a diving well, and a separate 1-3 foot depth training pool with a ramp available for small children. A picnic area and a playground are adjacent to the pool. A free parking lot is on-site, and a DASH bus stop is one block away.

Memorial Pool at Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street): This small pool with a beach entry and spray features is ideal for families with young children and adults seeking therapeutic benefits. A free parking lot is on-site, and a DASH bus stop is one block away.

Warwick Pool (3301 Landover Street): This complex includes a six lane 25-yard lap pool with an accessible ramp entry. The water depth ranges from 0 to 5 feet. The Landover Street playground is adjacent to the pool. Limited free street parking is available, and a DASH bus stop is two blocks away.

Summer water aerobics, learn-to-swim classes and swim teams are all now open to register online. The city is also looking for more lifeguards, pool operators, water safety instructors and swim team coaches.

Via Brian Matangelo/Unsplash

This coming Monday, September 6, is Labor Day and a number of city government offices and facilities will be closed.

The biggest event of the three-day weekend will be the day before Labor Day — Sunday, September 5. The annual Old Town Festival of Speed & Style will bring crowds to marvel at classic and beautiful rides along King Street.

City services will shift to a holiday schedule the next day. Trash collection will move to Tuesday, parking enforcement at metered spaces will be lifted, and it will be your last chance to enjoy public pools.

The city has listed the following closures and other changes planned for the week of September 6.

Resource Recovery: Residential refuse and recycling will not be collected September 6. Collection services will be delayed by one day during the week of September 6: Monday’s collection will be on Tuesday; Tuesday’s collection, on Wednesday; Wednesday’s collection, on Thursday; and Thursday’s collection, on Friday. Visit Resource Recovery for more information. The Household Hazardous Waste and Electronics Collection Center (3224 Colvin St.) will be closed Monday, September 6.

Animal Shelter: The Animal Welfare League of Alexandria (4101 Eisenhower Ave.) will be open weekend hours by appointment on September 6. To make an appointment, visit AlexandriaAnimals.org/Adopt-By-Appointment or call 703.746.4774. For an animal emergency, call 703.746.4444.

Health Facilities: The Alexandria Health Department (4480 King St.), the Flora Krause Casey Health Center (1200 N. Howard St.) and the Teen Wellness Center at Alexandria City High School (3329 King St.) will be closed September 6.

Historic Alexandria: On September 6, the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum (105-107 S. Fairfax St.) will be open regular hours, from 1 to 5 p.m. All other City museums will be closed. For more information, visit alexandriava.gov/Historic and follow Historic Alexandria on social media 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.

Libraries: All Alexandria Library branches and the Alexandria Law Library (520 King St.) will be closed September 6. Visit the Alexandria Library website for more information.

Parking: On September 6, the Alexandria Police Department will suspend enforcement of parking restrictions at 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 (for example, no-parking zones, loading zones or spaces for persons with disabilities). Temporary no-parking signs will be enforced September 6.

Impound Lot: The City’s Impound Facility (5249 Eisenhower Ave.) will be closed September 6. The Impound Facility is closed every Saturday and Sunday and on all observed City holidays. Fees will continue to accrue on Saturdays and Sundays but not on holidays.

Recreation and Arts Centers: On September 6, the Charles Houston (901 Wythe Street) and Patrick Henry (4653 Taney Ave.) recreation centers will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Torpedo Factory Art Center (105 N. Union St.) will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility (3210 King St.) and all other facilities will be closed. Visit alexandriava.gov/Recreation for more information.

Outdoor Pools: Old Town Pool (1609 Cameron St.) and Warwick Pool (3301 Landover St.) will be open from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. September 6. Visit alexandriav.gov/Aquatics for more information.

Schools: All Alexandria City Public Schools and administrative offices will be closed Friday, September 3 and Monday, September 6.

Courts: On September 6, the Alexandria Circuit Court Clerk’s Office, Alexandria Circuit Court, Alexandria General District Court, Alexandria Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Court and Court Service Unit (520 King St.) will be closed.

Department of Motor Vehicles: All Virginia DMV locations in Northern Virginia (including 2681 Mill Rd.) are open by appointment only. Many DMV services are available either online or by visiting dmvNOW.com/appt to schedule an appointment. Walk-in services are not available at this time.

Transit:  On September 6, the Alexandria Transit Company’s fare-free DASH bus service will operate on a Sunday schedule. The free King Street Trolley will operate from King Street Metro to Alexandria City Hall/Market Square, with service every 15 minutes, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Visit dashbus.com for more information.

City hosting The Fund for Alexandria’s Child virtual gala — “The Fund for Alexandria’s Child (The Fund) will host its second virtual gala on August 12, at 8 p.m. to benefit at-risk children and children in foster care. The public is invited to attend the interactive and inspiring event featuring a live auction, prizes, a raffle, entertainment, special guests and more, all from the comfort and safety of home.” [City of Alexandria]

Alexandria public pools update — “Memorial Pool will be closed on… Thursday, August 5 due to a maintenance issue. Warwick Pool and Old Town Pool remain open. Visit http://alexandriava.gov/Aquatics for operational hours at RPCA’s three outdoor pools.” [Twitter]

Alexandria introducing flood mitigation grant program — “On Tuesday, Aug. 10 at 7 p.m., the city plans to hold a virtual information session. This webinar will introduce the new Flood Mitigation Pilot Grant Program, meant to offer financial assistance to homeowners who have installed flood mitigation measures on their property.” [Zebra]

Today’s weather — “Sunshine (during the day). High 88F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph… Partly cloudy skies (in the evening). Low 68F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.” [Weather.com]

New job: Flag football and soccer coaches — “Kids in Motion is hiring sports coaches to teach super fun summer classes for kids ages 8-10 years old. Classes run during week days from 3;30-4:30 throughout Springfield and Alexandria. During sports classes, we coach kids using basic drills and work them up to scrimmaging. Payment is $40-50 per class depending on the location.” [Indeed]

Galactic Panther Art Gallery to open on King Street in Old Town — “Galactic Panther, a new art gallery at 1303 King St. in Alexandria, will open in early August. The art gallery is a partnership between internationally-exhibiting artist Eli Pollard and Erik Meundel, who is the current owner of ESP Tea & Coffee.” [Alexandria Living]

Alexandria Fire Department graduates three recruit schools — “The Alexandria Fire Department officially graduated Recruit School 49 on Thursday, July 22, and Recruit Schools 50 and 51 on Friday, July 23 at the George Washington Masonic National Memorial after postponing the ceremonies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. AFD welcomed and celebrated 45 new firefighter/EMTs.” [Patch]

Longtime Alexandrian librarian dies at age 100 — “Gladys Howard Davis, who was born on June 7, 1921 and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, where she was one of ten children born to Ezekial and Elizabeth “Winnie” Pollard Howard, was a witness to history and significant changes in her hometown where she helped educate generations of Alexandrians during her 60-plus years of service to the Alexandria Library system. She passed away July 10, 2021.” [Zebra]

Hot? Alexandria reopens cooling centers — “Looking to cool off? The City offers several locations as options to residents who may not have cooling in their homes, including recreation centers and libraries, as well as assistance for adults 60+ and some low-income households.” [Twitter]

Today’s weather — “Mainly sunny. High 94F. Winds N at 5 to 10 mph… A mostly clear sky. Low 72F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.” [Weather.com]

New job: Temporary pool operator — “In pursuit of service excellence, the Temporary Pool Operator provides facility monitoring for an aquatic environment for patrons of all ages and background. This position will ensure the safety of all patrons, ensure proper pool chemistry, repair and inspect pool pumps, filters, and plumbing, provide exceptional customer service, and other duties assigned. Pool operators also perform as lifeguards and must have lifeguard credentials. Pool Operators are the aquatics shift leader and provide direction to lifeguards on their shift.” [Indeed]

What an unexpectedly busy summer week in Alexandria. Here’s the rundown.

Our top story was on an Alexandria woman who claims she was roofied at a restaurant on the waterfront on the evening of July 9. A police report has been filed, and no charges have been made.

This week we sat down with acting Police Chief Don Hayes, who said that he’s thrown his hat in the ring with City Manager Mark Jinks to keep the top job. Hayes, a 40-year veteran of the Alexandria Police Department took over after the sudden departure of Chief Michael Brown last month, and will have to contend against candidates in a national search.

The Tokyo Olympics also start this week, and the games will include three T.C. Williams High School graduates — sprinter Noah Lyles, high-jumper Tynita Butts-Townsend and boxer Troy Isley. In fact, Lyles just had a comic book biography published in the Washington Post. If you’re a fan of the Olympic games, check out this list of local restaurants celebrating with special events and meals.

Important stories

• Pot enthusiasts quiet in early days of legalization in Alexandria
• Alexandria sees 90 COVID cases in July, another death
• Local historians profile former slave in Alexandria who struggled to rescue his family
• Alexandria man caught with gun at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport checkpoint
• New Potomac Yard luxury condo community sells 30% of properties before construction starts
• Testing for Alexandria’s controversial stream restoration work starts next week
• Two years after massive flooding, city moves forward with Holmes Run trail restoration
• Del Ray licensed family counselor completely booked since launching in May
• Alexandria businesses advised to sharpen e-commerce as consumer patterns evolve
• Alexandria swimming pools operating with reduced hours, residents signing waitlists with capacity overload
• Without annual music festival, Del Ray is celebrating with a bar crawl
• Del Ray affordable housing completes long-awaited overhaul

Top stories

1. Woman claims she was roofied at Old Town restaurant
2. Residents protest against conditions at West End apartment complex
3. Developers eye Beauregard redevelopment with West End upgrades on the horizon
4. Former chef at ‘The Alexandrian’ opening new restaurant in Arlandria on Monday
5. No injuries after shots fired in Braddock area on Wednesday
6. DASH takes lessons from D.C., Baltimore and Oregon in eliminating bus fares
7. ‘Call Your Mother Deli’ signs lease in Old Town
8. After last month’s Democratic primary, Republican Darryl Nirenberg tops campaign donation leaderboard
9. New city health improvement plan aims to fix inequities
10. Poll: Have you been to the Winkler Botanical Preserve?
11. Lee-Fendall House to throw speakeasy party to finance building repairs

Have a safe weekend!

Alexandria’s public swimming pools are open, but residents will need to arrive early if they want a chance to cool off.

City pools close at 3:45 p.m. and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday — as opposed to 7 p.m. in previous years — and on a recent hot weekend residents were kept out and asked to sign waitlists due to capacity issues.

“It has not been uncommon in normal operating years and with staff levels, that on the hottest days in the summer, occasionally the pools would reach capacity and patrons could not enter,” said Andrea Blackford, a senior communications specialist with the city.

Warwick Pool (3301 Landover Street) is open for lap swimming and open swimming every Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7:45 p.m., but closes at 4:45 p.m. on Friday and 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Old Town Pool (1609 Cameron Street) is open Monday to Thursday from 7 a.m. to 7:45 p.m., closes at 5:45 p.m. on Friday and at 3:45 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

“City pool hours for summer 2021 are challenging for several reasons,” Blackford said. “First, the number of individuals that may be within the pool area are determined by the pool’s occupancy load and the number of staff needed to safely monitor aquatic activities.

Blackford continued, “Second, due to the closure of Chinquapin for planned maintenance this summer and the relocation of learn-to-swim programming, camps and other community programs, and the region-wide shortage of available lifeguards, the City has had to adjust normal open swim operating hours. Third, because of the lifeguard shortage, the centers cannot be extended for longer hours in the day. The City is actively recruiting lifeguards, and schedules will be adjusted if possible.”

Via Brian Matangelo/Unsplash

Simon Pearce Glassware store opens Friday in Old Town — “Vermont-based glassware-maker Simon Pearce will open its doors Friday at their new store in Old Town Alexandria at 721 King St., according to a spokeswoman for the company. The space was formerly home to Papyrus, the greeting cards and gift wrap store.” [Alexandria Living]

Family raises $70K+ in GoFundMe campaign for mother with cancer — “Our lives changed forever three weeks ago when our mom was unexpectedly diagnosed with an advanced cancer known as metastatic adenocarcinoma. The diagnosis took us completely by surprise. Three months ago, she was walking five miles a day, eating a pescetarian diet, going on her own day trips. She started reporting shortness of breath and fatigue in late March, but doctors were unable to diagnose these symptoms as cancer until early June.” [GoFundMe]

Alexandria Library expands hours and capacity — “As of July 6, all library locations are open on Fridays, while Beatley Central Library and Duncan Branch Library are open Sundays as well. Libraries have increased to 50 percent occupancy including staff. Limited volunteers may return at the discretion of the building managers. Meeting rooms remain unavailable, and most library programs continue virtually. Covered drinks are permitted but not food.” [Patch.com]

Goodies Frozen Custard and Treats makes it official with ribbon cutting — “Excited to cut the ribbon and welcome Goodies Frozen Custard & Treats officially to Alexandria! A local business with an adaptive reuse of a historic building, and…really tasty!” [Facebook]

Today’s weather — “Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 97F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph… Generally fair. Low around 75F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph.” [Weather.com]

New job: Summer lifeguards — “Applicants must be punctual, responsible, able to take/follow directions and multitask. Prior experience is not necessary but a current Lifeguard certification is required. Certification courses are available for selected candidates.” [Indeed]