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Alexandria rec centers closing over the next few weeks for summer cleaning

Chinquapin Park Recreation Center and Aquatics Facility (image via RPCA/Facebook)

Those hoping to spend an afternoon at one of Alexandria’s recreation centers next week might be disappointed: centers around town are shutting down for an end-of-summer clean.

The annual cleaning comes at the end of the summer camp programs to prepare the facilities for fall.

The Leonard “Chick” Armstrong, Mount Vernon, Patrick Henry and William Ramsay recreation centers will all be closed from Monday, Aug. 14 to Saturday, Aug. 19, with the William Ramsay Recreation Center remaining open only for basketball camp.

The Charles Houston Recreation Center will be closed a little longer: from Sunday, Aug. 13 to Sunday, Aug. 20.

The Chinquapin Park Recreation Center & Aquatics Facility cleaning is staggered a little later than the others but will be closed the longest, from Saturday, Aug. 19 to Monday, Sept. 4.

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ALIVE! and Volunteer Alexandria collect 33.5K pounds in first citywide food drive

Marion Brunken, executive director of Volunteer Alexandria (on left), and Jenn Ayers, executive director of ALIVE!, celebrate reaching the goal of collecting more than 33,500 pounds of canned goods and cooking oil during the month of July (courtesy photo)

ALIVE! and Volunteer Alexandria exceeded their goal and collected more than 33,500 in last month’s first-ever citywide food drive.

The nonprofits collected 33,511 pounds of food from 38 locations across Alexandria last month.

“Thank you, Volunteer Alexandria, for hosting this food drive for us and the community,” said Jenn Ayers, ALIVE! executive director, “Donations like the ones we’ve received go a long way to keeping our costs down and provide a healthy variety of food to people who need help.”

The food collected will feed thousands of Alexandria families needing assistance. The effort was so successful that Volunteer Alexandria Executive Director Marion Brunken said that there will be another food drive next summer.

“We are thrilled to have exceeded our goal by over 3,000 pounds for our first community food drive and thank everyone who was able to help in some way,” Brunken said.

While the food drive was successful, ALIVE! always needs more donations. Food can be dropped at the ALIVE! Food Warehouse (801 South Payne Street) on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; on Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 pm. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

The food drive was sponsored by Ting Internet, Fitness Together and the Rotary Club of Alexandria.

Volunteer Alexandria and ALIVE! wanted to thank the following organizations:

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Poll: How will you beat the heat this weekend in Alexandria?

Person swimming (photo via Brian Matangelo/Unsplash)

It’s going to be a scorching weekend in Alexandria. What are you doing to beat the heat?

Temperatures are expected to reach more than 105 degrees this weekend, and the city has opened cooling centers for residents.

“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. “It is especially important for individuals with underlying health issues to take extra precautions and plan ahead for this and future excessive heat events.”

Stay cool this weekend!

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Alexandria offers cooling centers during summer heatwave

Playing at the sprayground at Potomac Yard Park (Staff photo by James Cullum)

With heat index temperatures expected to reach upward of 107 degrees today, Alexandria is offering cooling centers at recreation centers and libraries.

The National Weather Service issued a a hazardous heat forecast today, in effect from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Temperatures are also expected to be more than 100 degrees through Saturday.

“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. “It is especially important for individuals with underlying health issues to take extra precautions and plan ahead for this and future excessive heat events.”

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

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

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

The city issued the following tips to beat the heat:

  • Stay indoors and limit exposure to the sun.
  • Drink plenty of fluids. Drink more water than usual, and don’t wait to be thirsty to drink.
  • Wear loose, lightweight, and light-colored clothing.
  • Do not leave infants, children, people with medical conditions, or pets in a parked car even if the windows are cracked or even for short periods of time.
  • Monitor people around you, including co-workers, neighbors, and friends, for signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke.
  • Learn what you can do if you are concerned about someone who is homeless.
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Alexandria homeowners can get a tax exemption by installing solar this summer

Solar panels (file photo)

This summer, Alexandria is offering real estate tax exemptions for homeowners who install solar energy equipment in their homes.

The 2023 Solarize Alexandria program started this month and ends on August 31. It includes a free assessment, as well as discounts for tax-deductible olar equipment.

“The goal is to increase the deployment of solar power generation in our residential communities,” Mayor Justin Wilson wrote in his July newsletter. “In addition to reducing emissions and reducing your power bill, the City of Alexandria provides a real estate tax exemption for qualifying solar installations.”

The city is partnering with the Northern Virginia Regional Commission and the Local Energy Appliance Program.

The equipment would collect and use solar energy for “water heating, space heating or cooling or other applications which would otherwise require a conventional source of energy,” according to the tax exemption form.

The solar energy systems that would qualify for the tax exemptions are:

  • Solar heating and hot water systems
  • Passive solar energy systems
  • South-facing windows used as solar collectors
    Trombe walls (a sun-facing wall designed to collect solar energy and act as a thermal mass for heating the structure)
  • Greenhouses integrated into the heating system of the structure
  • Thermal storage systems
  • Movable insulation
  • Window shading windows for summer cooling.

How would residents get their money back? The city laid out this example:

The property owner has entered into a contract for a total of $12,000 to install solar energy panels ($8,000 in solar energy equipment and $4,000 for installation). Code Administration has completed their inspections certified the application to the Assessor. The $12,000, in this example, is considered the value of the exemption and would be deducted from the assessed value of the property every year for five years.

(The percentage or formula used is outlined in the Virginia Administrative Code. Many items such as solar panels or hot water systems are at 100% of cost and installation as shown in this example. Where other items such as south facing windows and greenhouses are based on a percentage or formula as stated in the Code.)

The tax savings is calculated as follows: $12,000 divided by 100, then multiplied by the current tax rate. The amount of tax savings over the five year period may vary depending on the tax rate that is in effect for each tax year.

The amount of tax savings over the 5 year period may vary depending on the tax rate that is in effect for each tax year.

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Here’s your guide to this weekend’s Portside in Old Town Summer Festival

The Portside in Old Town Summer Festival at Waterfront Park in Old Town. (Via Facebook)

Alexandria’s summer will kick off this weekend with the Portside in Old Town Summer Festival. Here’s what you need to know.

The free event, which includes the 45th annual Alexandria Jazz Fest, will be held at Waterfront Park (1A Prince Street) on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 1 to 9 p.m.

“This free festival features an array of live music, local craft beer from Port City Brewing Company and fun for the whole family on the Alexandria waterfront,” said Visit Alexandria.

The musicians were chosen by the 2023 Alexandria Jazz Fest Activation Team, which includes John Hasse, a music curator at The Smithsonian Institution, Suraya Mohamed of NPR Music and Jeremy Castillo, the director of Performance and Contemporary Music at the Levine School of Music.

Food will be provided by Borinquen Lunch Box, Chalkboard Wings & BBQ, Kungfu Kitchen, Dolci Gelati and The Italian Place.

Port City Brewing Company will provide the beer, as well as:

The Portside Festival is organized by Visit Alexandria and the City’s Office of the Arts and is sponsored by Ting Internet.

The Portside in Old Town Summer Festival at Waterfront Park in Old Town. (Via Facebook)

Friday schedule

Poetry will be read between sets by:

During the performances, muralist Aniekan Udofia will paint a new piece from 6 to 9 p.m. Udofia is best known for the mural at Ben’s Chili Bowl in D.C.

Saturday schedule

Image Via Facebook

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City Council to consider waiver allowing big events on consecutive summer weekends

The Old Town Alexandria Art Festival on Sunday, September 18, 2022. (staff photo by James Cullum)

It’s going to be a busy summer in Alexandria.

On Tuesday, City Council will consider a waiver to Alexandria’s special event policy to allow for events with more than 500 people to occur on consecutive weekends throughout the summer.

The policy currently allows such events every other weekend.

“Currently, the City has received applications for community events on consecutive weekends in June that would occur at Waterfront Park, Oronoco Park, and Market Square,” City staff wrote in a memo to Council. “Old Town venues such as Waterfront Park and Market Square continue to be desirable locations for public events.”

City staff are also working on permanently removing restrictions for events scheduled on consecutive weekends, according to the memo. Regardless, special event applications still have to go through the city’s Special Events Committee for approval.

Incidentally, this weekend will be packed at Waterfront Park (1 Prince Street), starting Friday with the Alexandria Jazz Fest, and followed by the Portside In Old Town festival on Saturday.

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Notes: It’s the last week of school in Alexandria

Good Monday morning, Alexandria!

⛈️ Today’s weather: A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 8am. High near 79. South wind 11 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 21 mph. Chance of precipitation is 100%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. At night: A chance of showers and thunderstorms before 11pm, then a slight chance of showers between 11pm and 2am. Mostly cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly clear, with a low around 60. Northwest wind 6 to 9 mph. Chance of precipitation is 30%.

🚨 You need to know

Summer vacation is within sight, as this is the last week of the 2022-2023 school year for Alexandria City Public Schools. The last official day of school is Thursday, June 15.

All ACPS students and children are still eligible to get free meals when they go to a Summer Breakfast and Lunch program site every Monday to Thursday from June 26 to July 10. Meal distribution will not occur on Tuesday, July 4.

ACPS Summer Breakfast and Lunch Program (via ACPS)

The schedule for breakfast and lunch is below.

ACPS Summer Breakfast and Lunch Program schedule (via ACPS)

📈 Friday’s most read

The following are the most-read ALXnow articles for Jun 9, 2023.

  1. Southern Towers gets a visit from the director of the Federal Housing Finance Administration (2754 views)
  2. UPDATED: Police activity shut down Mount Vernon Avenue Bridge earlier today (1989 views)
  3. ALXnow’s top stories this week in Alexandria (570 views)
  4. ACPS: George Mason Elementary students and teachers could change schools mid-year (538 views)

🐦 Tweets of note

📅 Upcoming events

Here is what’s going on today in Alexandria, from our event calendar.

  • No events today. Have one to promote? Submit it to the calendar.
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Heat Advisory issued for Alexandria ahead of sweltering Thursday

If you think today is hot, bad news: tomorrow is going to be worse.

The National Weather Service has already issued a Heat Advisory for Thursday, calling for heat index values of up to 106 in parts of the D.C. region.

The current NWS forecast for Alexandria calls for a high temperature of 97 and a heat index of up to 105.

Forecasters say tomorrow’s heat will be dangerous those who are outside or somewhere without air conditioning. They also recommend staying hydrated, checking on vulnerable relatives and neighbors and making sure kids and pets are not left in unattended vehicles.

The Heat Advisory will be in effect from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. on Thursday.

More from NWS:

URGENT – WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Baltimore MD/Washington DC
102 PM EDT Wed Aug 3 2022

…HEAT ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 11 AM TO 8 PM EDT THURSDAY…

* WHAT…Heat index values up to 106 expected.

* WHERE…Portions of central, north central, northeast, northern and southern Maryland, The District of Columbia and northern Virginia.

* WHEN…From 11 AM to 8 PM EDT Thursday.

* IMPACTS…Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

Drink plenty of fluids, stay in an air-conditioned room, stay out of the sun, and check up on relatives and neighbors. Young children and pets should never be left unattended in vehicles under any circumstances.

Take extra precautions if you work or spend time outside. When possible reschedule strenuous activities to early morning or evening. Know the signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Wear lightweight and loose fitting clothing when possible. To reduce risk during outdoor work, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration recommends scheduling frequent rest breaks in shaded or air conditioned environments. Anyone overcome by heat should be moved to a cool and shaded location. Heat stroke is an emergency! Call 9 1 1.

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Alexandria offering cooling centers during summer heatwave

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

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