Alexandria ranks ninth in Virginia for small businesses — “Alexandria ranked ninth overall among Virginia localities with a small business index score of 39.17. The city was seventh for percentage of small business income — 10.11 percent.” [Patch]
Alexandria ranked by CDC as third best city in U.S. for surviving zombie apocalypse — “It seems the CDC-yes, the Centers for Disease Control were kind of bored a while back and actually posted a Zombie Apocalypse Preparedness Guide which recently inspired a company called Lawn Love to dig into a bunch of data and develop 2021’s Best Cities for Surviving a Zombie Apocalypse and Alexandria, Virginia turns out to be a good spot to be in such an event.” [Zebra]
Senior Services gets $12,500 from Meals on Wheels and Petsmart — “Senior Services of Alexandria (SSA) is proud to announce that it has received a $12,500 Meals on Wheels Loves Pets grant for its pet support program, AniMeals on Wheels. Funding will be used to provide expanded access to needed veterinary care, grooming services, and other support as needed for the pets of Meals on Wheels and current AniMeals clients, which can often be a financial and physical challenge for older adults to manage on their own.” [Senior Services of Alexandria]
The Italian Place opens second location — “The Italian Place is proud to announce it has officially opened it’s 2nd location in Fairfax! Thank you for your love & support! We are very excited to welcome you to visit our new Fairfax location! See QR code below for ordering from our website! Skip the line and scan the below QR code from your camera & order online in Old Town or Fairfax!” [Facebook]
Today’s weather — “Sunny skies during the morning hours. Scattered showers and thunderstorms developing in the afternoon. Hot and humid. High 96F. Winds SSW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%… Considerable clouds early (in the evening). Some decrease in clouds late. Low around 75F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.” [Weather.com]
New job: Basketball, flag football and soccer coaches — “Kids in Motion is hiring sports coaches to teach super fun, fitness based, classes for kids ages 5-8 years. Classes are M-F 3:30-4:30 and the time can vary based on individual schools. Teachers can work 1-5 week days.” [Indeed]
As temperatures start to go up, Alexandria’s annual program aimed at helping residents without home cooling make it through the summer is coming back.
The Summer Cooling program allows residents to beat the heat at several recreation centers and libraries around the city. The program came in handy for residents last summer during a heat wave. Like last year, however, there are some capacity restrictions due to COVID-19.
“During periods of extreme heat, the City offers cooling centers to residents at the Neighborhood Recreation Center locations… along with expanded hours, additional resources and support for those in need,” the city said on its website. “Due to COVID-19 prevention mandates, however, access to City recreation centers normally available to the public may be reduced.”
Locations to cool off include:
- Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street)
- Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center (25 West Reed Avenue)
- Lee Center (1108 Jefferson Street)
- Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Avenue)
- Nannie J. Lee Recreation Center (1108 Jefferson Street)
- Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Avenue)
- William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Avenue)
- Charles E. Beatley, Jr. Central Library (5005 Duke Street)
- Kate Waller Barrett Branch Library (717 Queen Street)
- Ellen Coolidge Burke Branch Library (4701 Seminary Road)
- James M. Duncan Branch Library (2501 Commonwealth Avenue)
An additional program is available for Alexandrians 60 or older. The Senior Cool Care Program provides a cooling fan and assistance to seniors who meet some income requirements. Residents can call 703.746.5999 or email [email protected] to check eligibility requirements.
Alexandria announces modified out of school time school year recreation program — “The City of Alexandria will offer a modified Out of School Time Program (OSTP) for elementary school aged children enrolled in kindergarten through fifth grade for the 2021-22 school year. The after-school recreation program is scheduled for August 23, 2021 through June 10, 2022, from 2:30 to 6 p.m. at the Charles Barrett; Charles Houston; Mount Vernon; Leonard “Chick” Armstrong; Nannie J. Lee; Patrick Henry; and William Ramsay recreation centers, and at the Ferdinand T. Day; John Adams; and Douglas MacArthur elementary schools.” [City of Alexandria]
Council candidate Patrick Moran testifies for bringing back School Resource Officer funding — “Moran calls for the full implementation of body cameras for Alexandria Police Department (APD) officers and for corrective action to protect Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) students’ safety in 2021-22 School Year.” [YouTube]
Senior center gets upgrade — “St. Martin de Porres Senior Center on Taney Ave. has served Alexandria’s seniors for 45 years. During the pandemic, the site has been closed. This provided HomeAid Northern Virginia (HANV) with an opportunity to undertake a $44,000 upgrade of the facility.” [Zebra]
Today’s weather — “Mostly cloudy skies (during the day). High near 80F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph… Cloudy skies (in the evening). Low 61F. Winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph.” [Weather.com]
New job: Floral clerk at Balducci’s — “As a Floral Clerk, some of your duties will include stocking the department with fresh flowers, potted plants, balloons, and other floral merchandise. You will design and create custom floral arrangements and make product recommendations for our customers’ special occasions. Your job will be to provide customers with exceptional customer service.” [Indeed]
An Alexandria certified nursing assistant faces multiple charges of identity theft against six residents under her care at Vitality Senior Living in Arlington.
On April 16, the suspect was arrested after allegedly admitting to the Vitality Senior Living executive director that she cashed a fraudulent $1,200 check from a resident in her care.
The victim reported to Arlington Police that six of his blank personal checks were stolen from his checkbook, and that two checks were cashed without his permission. He also told police that there were a number of fraudulent charges against his debit card.
The suspect’s name was written on one of the checks, and her brother’s name was written on another. Her brother also works at the facility and has not been charged.
Police searched the suspect’s phone and on it found photos of the victim’s driver’s license, and the front and back of his debit cards, according to a search warrant affidavit.
The officer also discovered further evidence on her phone “affecting five victims from Vitality Senior Living, potentially among several others from other facilities,” according to police. “Photographs of all five victims’ credit and/or debit cards were located in addition to some photographs of their respective driver’s licenses and/or social security cards.”
Police confirmed that the additional five victims were under the care of the suspect, and that three of them confirmed fraudulent activity from the cards that were found on her phone.
Also on the phone were screenshots of Apple products purchased, as well as “other fraudulent activity which appeared to include the filing of unemployment and taxes under identities that have been unable to be verified,” according to police.
The suspect goes to court for more than a dozen identity theft charges on May 25.
Vitality Senior Living released the following statement:
At Vitality Living, we are committed to ensuring our residents feel comfortable and confident in the care we provide. We recently became aware that an employee had stolen and used a resident’s ATM card and a number of checks. We immediately notified state and local authorities and terminated this employee. We are working with the police as they conduct their investigation and pursue further legal action. We also are conducting an internal investigation and taking the necessary steps to ensure we prevent similar incidents in the future. We are diligent about protecting the privacy and safety of our residents and will continue to hold our community to the highest standards of compassion, quality and safety.
A number of residents of the Ladrey Senior Highrise Apartments in Old Town received their second doses of the coronavirus vaccine on Saturday.
Delores Tyler was one of about 90 residents who got her second shot.
“I was nervous a little bit, but I said no, I’ll go ahead and take it,” Tyler said. “We also are so appreciative that they were able to come to us. It made it so convenient and now I feel safer.”
The first doses were administered last month to the residents in the complex, which is managed by the Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority.
The shots were facilitated by the Alexandria Health Department and administered over the course of three hours by pharmacists from VanDorn Pharmacy in the Ladrey community room at 300 Wythe Street. Some residents who were hesitant to get the vaccine will be visited by the pharmacists to get inoculated over the next several weeks.
“I’ve known a couple people that had the virus, and they were saying how bad it was,” said resident Caroleather Brown. “I feel a little more comfortable going out now.”
ARHA CEO Keith Pettigrew thanked the health department for the help. The nonprofit is reportedly reaching out to seniors at its other sites on vaccination eligibility.
“We wanted our seniors at Ladrey vaccinated as quickly and conveniently as possible to ensure they are safe and protected,” said Pettigrew. “Since the beginning of the pandemic we have implemented several policies, including limiting the number of visitors allowed in the building, to minimize the risk of contracting the virus. This vaccination POD (point of dispensing) event was an extension of that policy. I feel grateful to our partners, and particularly Dr. Stephen Hearing, AHD’s Director, who helped us coordinate this service.”
Virginia is currently in Phase 1B, which allows anyone 65 and older to get prioritized for the vaccine. Also included are essential workers, such as police, fire and EMS officials, Alexandria City Public Schools staff and people ages 16 and older with underlying medical conditions.
In Alexandria, there is also a long waiting list for eligible residents to get vaccinated.
As of last Friday, 17,099 residents have received at least one dose and 5,799 residents have been fully vaccinated. Residents can pre-register for the COVID-19 vaccine in Alexandria here.
Photo via ARHA
Mayor Asks Residents to Shovel Snow — “Grab your shovel and help us make it safe for pedestrians around our City. Sidewalks must be cleared by Thursday at 3 PM! @Volalex is back supporting our ‘Snow Buddy’ program for those who need assistance or can assist.” [Twitter]
Beyer Criticizes Trump’s Lawyers — “Trump’s lawyers misspell “United States” right at the beginning and somehow it only gets worse and more amateurish from there.” [Twitter]
Governor Urges Virginians to Recognize Black History Month — “Virginia native Dr. Carter G. Woodson founded #BlackHistoryMonth in 1926 to help recognize the achievements and contributions of Black Americans. Black history is American history–this month, and every month, let’s continue working to acknowledge, honor, and celebrate it.” [Twitter]
Del. Levine Firearm Bill Passes House — “My Safe Capitol Bill just passed the House! The bill bans firearms in the Capitol, Capitol Square, and state government buildings. If you want to lobby us, use your voices. Threaten our re-election, not our safety. Guns have no place in the public square.” [Twitter]
Former Del. Krupicka Endorses Bennett-Parker for 45th District Seat — “As a former Council Member and a former Delegate for the 45th district, I know that local government experience in Richmond is crucial and that’s why I know Elizabeth will be the best candidate to serve the residents of Alexandria, Arlington, and Fairfax. Her deep commitment to the environment and our public schools and students are traits that I know will make her an effective Delegate. We need her leadership in Richmond and I am proud to endorse her.” [Elizabethfordelegate.com]
ALIVE! Gets Donation From Scottish Group — “Mike Bible and Rick Cady, representing the Alexandria Scottish Rite, presented a check to Jennifer Ayers of ALIVE! in Alexandria, VA for $2,350 on January 19, 2021. This will help with providing food to the local Alexandria community.” [Twitter]
Former Mayor Euille Among Senior Services of Alexandria Award Honorees — “Senior Services of Alexandria is pleased to announce that it will honor three individuals who have made significant contributions to the Alexandria community through their work, activism and philanthropic efforts at its 2021 Virtual Annual Gala. They are Barbara Anderson; William D. Euille and C. Eugene Steuerle. A special honor will be given to Kate Garvey, Director of Alexandria’s Department of Community and Human Services for her leadership of the City and non-profit agencies’ responses to the global pandemic.” [Zebra]
New Job: Police Crime Analyst — The Alexandria Police Department is looking for a Police Crime Analyst to join our team. You’ll play an important role in our investigations and operations. [Twitter]
Beyer Calls for Accountability in Wake of Capitol Siege — “The idea that we would just move on and not hold those responsible for this accountable is immoral.” [Twitter]
Stonebridge Sells Piece Of Oakville Triangle Site To Townhouse Builder — “Stonebridge is under contract to sell a 3.5-acre piece of the site to Winchester Homes to build an 84-unit townhouse project, Stonebridge principal Doug Firstenberg tells Bisnow.” [Bisnow]
City Warns Against Icy Roads — “With potential winter weather in the morning, roads may quickly turn icy. If you’re commuting Thursday morning, plan for extra travel time and use caution.” [Twitter]
Emergency Utility Assistance is Available — “If you were unable to pay your Virginia American Water or Washington Gas bills between March 1 and October 31, 2020 as a result of COVID-19, you may be eligible for assistance. Deadlines to apply are Jan 29 for water bills and Jan 31 for gas.” [Twitter]
Italian War Bride Turns 100 in Alexandria — “For Ada’s 100th, a few close friends and family, including daughter Daria, granddaughter Nathalie, and friend Betty, socially-distanced at The Hermitage. The party ensued with a sheet cake, flowers, gifts, a myriad of birthday cards from friends unable to attend, and video-chatting with her son, daughter-in-law, and grandson.” [Zebra]
City Seeks Feedback on Old Cameron Run Trail — “Ending Sun. Jan. 31: the feedback period to provide input on the proposed design for the Old Cameron Run Trail: alexandriava.gov/116739 The 0.53-mile shared-use path btwn Hooffs Run Dr. in Eisenhower East & S. Payne St. in the Southwest Quadrant. The City wants to hear from you!” [Twitter]
Today’s Weather — “Windy. Cloudy skies will become sunny in the afternoon. High 36F. Winds NNW at 20 to 30 mph. Higher wind gusts possible… Mainly clear early (in the evening), then a few clouds later on. Low 23F. Winds NW at 15 to 25 mph.”[Weather.com]
New Job: Private Piano Teacher — “Old Town Music School, an old fashioned preparatory Music School in Old Town Alexandria for over 20 years, is expanding and hiring a community of professional musicians/teachers who offer a nurturing, positive and personal approach to piano lessons. Students are beginning through advanced intermediate levels. Seeking out-going, motivated and fun teachers to join our faculty.” [Indeed]
ACPS Eyes Late January as Earliest Date for In-Person Classes — “Frustrated parents are continuing to push Alexandria City Public Schools officials to reopen schools for in-person instruction, but the earliest possible date for some students will be in the second half of January” [Alexandria Living Magazine]
Free Coffee for Frontline Workers at Alexandria Starbucks — “Front-line workers can get free coffee throughout December from Starbucks locations throughout the United States, including these three in Alexandria.” [Patch]
Where to Donate in Alexandria for Giving Tuesday — “There are plenty of nonprofits and causes to support in Alexandria, from national organizations based in the city, to organizations helping Alexandrians.” [Patch]
Caregiver for Seniors Sought — “At Sunrise, our Care Manager is responsible for providing the highest degree of quality care and services to a consistent group of residents and their families in our assisted living and reminiscence neighborhoods.” [Sunrise Senior Living]
Staff photo by Jay Westcott
Elderly resident rescues dog walker pinned under 500-pound headstone — “When Suzanne Dalton went out to walk her dog in Bethel Cemetery… one fall afternoon, the last thing she expected was to have a literal brush with death. After a headstone fell on her arm and pinned her to the ground, Charles Nelson, an 89-year-old Alexandria resident, came to her assistance and lifted the 500-pound stone up just enough for her to escape.” [Alex Times]
Beyer Says Trump is Being ‘Theatrical’ — “Refusing to initiate a peaceful transition of power in the middle of a deadly pandemic because he’s being theatrical.” [Twitter]
Alexandria Sheriff’s Office Reports New Phone Scam — “If you receive a call from someone saying they are from the Alexandria Sheriff’s Office (or any other Sheriff’s Office) and that you have to pay them money, hang up. Scammers will try a variety of approaches to intimidate and coerce people into giving them money. But actual sheriffs’ offices in Virginia will never call you and demand money.” [Zebra]
The Story Behind the ‘Official Sock of Alexandria’ — “Alexandria’s new official sock is being made in the USA by Living Royal and will be a high quality, soft unisex crew sock. A hundred pairs will be made initially, with the potential for more if the initial batch sells out.” [Alexandria Living]
Made In ALX Makers Market Opens — “While millions of people shop on national retail websites, it’s harder to stumble across local artists and craftspeople working right here in Alexandria. MadeinALX.com is a website and platform designed to support local artists, creators and makers and connect them to consumers.” [Alexandria Living]
Today’s Weather — “Cloudy skies early, followed by partial clearing. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 63F. Winds NW at 10 to 15 mph. Clear skies (in the evening). Low around 40F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph.” [Weather.com]
New Job: Fingerprint Operator — “This is an entry-level, part-time position and prior experience in the field or a related field is not required. You will receive training in taking and verifying personnel fingerprints, making comparisons of rolled inked and computer image fingerprints, use of fingerprint scanning equipment, completing fingerprinting forms and submitting reports at the end of the fingerprinting session.” [Indeed]
Senior Services of Alexandria urgently needs drivers to deliver thousands of weekly Meals On Wheels to senior residents in need.
“It takes less than two hours of your time to deliver meals,” according to SSA. “And don’t worry, we’ll train you.”
Seniors are especially vulnerable during the pandemic. Senior Services of Alexandria – Meals on Wheels program urgently needs additional drivers. #VolunteerAlex Please consider helping as an on-call volunteer – Mon, Wed, Thurs, or Fri. Click here https://t.co/G4PsVaoEH7 pic.twitter.com/OxALUDkUYu
— Volunteer Alexandria (@Volalex) October 31, 2020
There are a number of ways to give back during the pandemic. Volunteer Alexandria has reportedly mobilized more than 8,000 volunteers who have donated more than 11,000 hours since March.
Volunteers are needed at the following events:
- Wednesday, Nov. 4 — Food distribution at Casa Chirilagua (Two slots available)
- Monday, Nov. 9 — Decorate Envelopes for Holiday Sharing Program (Four slots available)
- Tuesday, Nov. 10 — Snow Buddy Orientation (96 slots available)
- Friday, Nov. 13 — Community Fresh Food Distribution (20 Slots available)
- Friday, Nov. 13 — Volunteer Bell Ringers Needed (Three slots available)
Help organize and bag donations for Casa Chirilagua. Just like it sounds. Safely socially distanced, you will organize and bag food and cleaning supplies for distribution. Monday, 11/2, 11/16, and 12/7 from 10 A.M. – Noon. To sign up, click on https://t.co/U2qRweeOoT pic.twitter.com/giVRM89EUS
— Volunteer Alexandria (@Volalex) November 1, 2020
