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

After its annual winter and spring hiatus, Goodie’s Frozen Custard & Treats is officially reopening its doors in Old Town on Thursday (May 26).

Owner Brandon Byrd says that most of his costs have increased by more than 100% due to inflation, but he isn’t raising prices.

“I’m not raising prices,” Byrd told ALXnow. “Eggs, heavy cream, sugar — the cost has gone up, but we’re not making our treats any less affordable.”

Goodies officially opened its doors to the public in the the 1930s-era ice house at 200 Commerce Street over Memorial Day weekend last year. The shop sells one flavor — vanilla — and customers choose from a myriad of toppings. Snacks include rum cake, cinnamon rolls and doughnuts.

The shop will be open Thursday through Sunday from noon to 6 p.m., or whenever they sell out. Byrd says that the public should follow the latest for the frozen custard shop on its Instagram page.

What a hot week in Alexandria.

With temperatures hovering in the mid-90s, the week started with a power outage at a 17-story apartment building in Landmark area. The outage lasted five days and residents had to find accommodations until the building reopened Friday afternoon.

On the coronavirus front, Alexandria experienced a slight uptick, and the health department says unvaccinated residents account for a majority of new cases. There have been 39 new cases reported so far this month in the city, and 13 cases were reported on July 9. That was the biggest single-day jump since May 20, when 18 new cases were reported.

In school news, this week we spoke with Alexandria High School Principal Peter Balas, who said that his staff are ready to fully reopen for full-time in-person instruction when the 2021-2022 school year starts on August 24.

Important stories

• Chef Justus Frank is focusing on family with Elo’s Italian Pop-Up in Del Ray
• Mayor pushes for state-level building safety reform after Florida disaster
• Bilingual Montessori prechool to open in Rosemont church
• RiverRenew construction throughout Old Town to start this fall
• ARHA documents outline affordable housing organization’s shift toward rental-assistance
• Alexandria Drive-In to be discontinued after ‘Shrek’ this weekend
• Hotel Indigo in Old Town seeks to open private garage to waterfront visitors
• Planning Commission to review turning Old Town parking garage into townhouses
• Former chef at ‘The Alexandrian’ opening new restaurant in Arlandria on Monday
• Developers eye Beauregard redevelopment with West End upgrades on the horizon
• New city health improvement plan aims to fix inequities

Top stories

1. Here’s the plan for Alexandria’s birthday celebration this weekend
2. City Council approves massive high-rise project without affordable housing near Eisenhower Metro station
3. ‘Call Your Mother Deli’ signs lease in Old Town
4. Del. Mark Levine raises eyebrows with letter that passes buck on constituent service
5. Shortened Alexandria Birthday celebration is still on for July 10
6. Alexandria City High School is ready to reopen at full capacity next month, principal says
7. School Board Member Jacinta Greene faces reelection, wants race relations taught in ACPS
8. Tropical Storm Elsa’s dregs tear through southern Alexandria
9. Poll: Do you agree with reallocation of school resource officer funding?
10. West End high-rise apartment building evacuated after power outage
11. The Alexandria Police, Sheriff’s Office and Fire Department all want raises

Have a safe weekend!

After an underground electrical malfunction caused an early morning power outage on Monday, July 12, the management of the 17-story Key Towers Apartments says the building is likely to reopen at the earliest on Friday, July 17.

Until then, residents in the 140-unit Landmark area building have to find alternate accommodations, and its owner is advising residents to keep their receipts.

“Right now we’re testing the transformers in every individual unit,” said Gina Ramos, general manager for the property. “We let residents in and out of their apartment four-at-a-time on Monday and Tuesday until 10 p.m. We’re telling everyone to keep their receipts.”

The 1960s-era building is empty, Alexandria Fire Department Senior Public Information Officer Raytevia Evans told ALXnow.

Resident Adie Ballantyne has lived at Key Towers for two years, and is staying with friends in a nearby apartment building.

“I’m going to demand a reduction in my rent next month,” she said. “I feel bad for my neighbors who got put out. Luckily I have friends who live close by.”

Dominion Energy determined that a privately owned underground transmission line went down. The outage occurred during a heat wave, and the city opened the Patrick Henry Recreation Center for residents.

Repairs to the customer-owned cable at Key Tower continue.
Our @DominionEnergy crews will re-energize their system after customer-repairs are complete. Please stay safe out there! https://t.co/sXfIULiiwd

— Peggy Fox (@PeggyDomEnergy) July 13, 2021

It’s not Pacific Northwest-bad, but the National Weather Service is warning that that Alexandria could reach a heat index of 105 or higher over the next few days.

The NWS has issued a hazardous weather outlook for the next few days, with high temperatures estimated for Wednesday afternoon.

“Heat index values may approach 105 during the afternoon hours Wednesday,” NWS said. “An isolated severe thunderstorm with damaging wind gusts is possible late Wednesday afternoon and evening.”

The NWS said the storm is likely to be concentrated in Northern Maryland, but with potential severe thunderstorms and flooding throughout the area on Thursday.

The city also warned of the potential health risk of prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

“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. During extended heat waves, it is advised to stay indoors and limit exposure to the sun; drink plenty of water; and wear loose, lightweight and light-colored clothing.”

In a press release, the city reminded residents to take advantage of special cooling centers if needed.

“Those in need of a place to cool off, due to the hazardous weather outlook forecast by the National Weather Service, should visit one of the City facilities listed below,” the city said. “Temperatures are expected to reach the upper 90s through Wednesday, June 30. The hot temperatures, combined with high humidity, will cause heat indices of more than 100 degrees.”

According to the city, the following locations will be designated cooling centers this week:

• Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe Street) — 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Leonard “Chick” Armstrong Recreation Center (25 West Reed Avenue) — 9 a.m.-8 p.m.
• Lee Center (1108 Jefferson Street) — 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
• Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Avenue) — 9 a.m.-6 p.m.
• Patrick Henry Recreation Center (4653 Taney Avenue) — 9 a.m.-9 p.m.
• William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Avenue) — 9 a.m.-8 p.m.

Alexandria City Public Schools will continue providing free meals this summer.

“Meals will be served on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays,” said Cynthia Hormel, the ACPS director of school nutrition services. “Each day, families will pick up two
days-worth of meals, with three on Friday to cover Saturday and Sunday.”

There will only be one holiday over the summer break — on July 5. Curbside breakfast and lunch deliveries and pop-up locations will be closed that day. The service will reopen on July 6 and all distribution sites will resume on July 7.

“Please know that if numbers drop at any ‘pop-up’ location at any point during the summer, we will re-evaluate continuing that service,” ACPS said on its website. “Families will be notified of changes.”

Hormel said free meals will be continued next school year, although the fate of curbside and pop-up distribution sites are yet to be determined.

“It is too early to say, but if there is an opportunity, we will continue to provide the (pop-up) service,” she said.

Hours of operation

• June 24 to July 2 — 7:30 a.m. to noon
• July 7 to July 30 — 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.
• August 2 to August 20 — 7:30 a.m. to noon

Distribution points

• Alexandria City High School (T.C. Williams High School)
• Francis C. Hammond Middle School
• Cora Kelly School for Math, Science and Technology
• William Ramsay Elementary School
• Jefferson-Houston PreK-8 IB School

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.

A new city announcement today is already making waves: outdoor pools will open next month.

According to the city website, the city’s outdoor pools will reopen on Saturday, June 26, through Labor Day, September 6.

Pools were reopened last year, but with significant restrictions and wait lists for time slots. The only pandemic restriction noted this time around is 10′ physical distance between swimmers.

According to the city, the reopening pools are:

• Old Town Pool (1609 Cameron St.) — This complex includes a 25-yard pool with a diving well. A separate training pool is available for children up to 42 inches tall. Easily accessible by ramp, the training pool has a depth of 1 to 3 feet. For added convenience, a parking lot, picnic area and tot playground are adjacent to the pool.
• Memorial Pool at Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe St.) — This small pool can accommodate a maximum of 45 guests at one time. Due to its smaller size, access is limited to Alexandria residents 13 years of age and younger, and their parents or guardians.
• Warwick Pool (3301 Landover St.) — This shallow, 25-yard pool features an accessible sloped entry pool and six swimming lanes. The pool is conveniently located adjacent to Landover Park, which features a playground.

Also opening is the interactive fountains at Potomac Yard Park’s playgrounds at 2501 Potomac Avenue. The parks feature 36 water jets with programmed sequences and lighting for nighttime effects. Shoes must be worn when using the fountain.

The water park is open every day from 10 a.m.-9 p.m., May 29 to Sept. 6, and then will close an hour earlier from Sept. 7 through Oct. 15.

Photo via Brian Matangelo/Unsplash

Want your kids to attend in-person classes school this summer or fall? Today is the deadline for families to tell Alexandria City Public Schools whether they want their kids to participate in either in-person or virtual instruction.

While the Learning Choice Form informs ACPS on a family’s preferences, the school system is filtering students allowed for in-person instruction with a prioritization matrix.

That means that not everyone who opts to attend in-person instruction will get in, as certain students are prioritized. Students with disabilities and students with social and emotional support are at the top of the priority list, followed by students who have earned a grade of D or F, students unable to access technology effectively, students who want to come back per the family choice form, and new students.

“The Summer Learning program will be offered virtually to all students, and in-person instruction will be offered to targeted students according to a prioritization matrix,” ACPS told ALXnow in an email. “If a family does not make a choice on the form about whether or not a student will participate this summer, then the student will not be enrolled in Summer Learning 2021.”

The move has angered many parents, including members of the Open ACPS! Facebook group.

“OMG, I really need to move away,” lamented a parent on the page. “I was just on the phone with the HelpDesk because I submitted the survey and called for all my kids to be in-person both over the summer and for the fall, and ONE of my kids was converted to virtual in the summer, so I thought maybe I had made a mistake in selection and wanted it fixed… It’s showing that only two of my kids are prioritized for in-person over the summer and would be receiving invitations, the ones on IEPs (Individualized Educational Programs). But I’m like, they’re kind of a package deal, and all these kids have been screwed equally. So now I have to wait to see if the school registrar will change it so all my kids can go. “

The school system plans to fully reopen without a prioritization matrix for five days a week of in-person instruction for the fall semester, which starts in August.

“The decision you make now is important to our comprehensive planning,” ACPS says on its website. “Please note that for Fall 2021, your decision is binding for the first semester (until January 2022). May 24, 2021 is the last day for families to inform ACPS of your selected learning model for 2021-22. We are strongly encouraging our families to select the in-person learning model. If a family does not choose a learning model before the deadline, the student will automatically be enrolled in in-person learning for the fall semester.”

(Update at 10:30 a.m. Blue and White Carryout is still open. The tweet from a local news outlet was incorrect.)

City Council Rescinds Vote on Braddock West Development — “The matter will be taken up again for public hearing and vote on May 15, but a pending lawsuit by an Alexandria resident may delay a final decision.” [Alexandria Living]

West End Harris Teeter opening early this summer — “The new store, 62,000 square feet in size, will be located at West Alex, the new development that also includes Array, an apartment building and the Silver Diner restaurant that opened on the corner of King and N. Beauregard streets.” [Alexandria Living]

Southbound King Street exit on Interstate 395 closed for 2 weeks — “Drivers along King Street (Route 7) in Alexandria can expect a new temporary traffic pattern at I-395 beginning Monday morning, May 3, weather permitting, for work as part of the rehabilitation of the King Street Bridge over I-395, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation.” [Zebra]

Today’s weather — “Showers early then scattered thunderstorms developing later in the day. High 73F. Winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%… Scattered thunderstorms in the evening. Partly cloudy skies overnight. Low around 65F. Winds SW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60%.” [Weather.com]

New job: Bilingual medical assistant — “Functions as a member of a program team by performing and documenting results of selected tests and measurements, maintaining adequately supplied workstations, maintaining a clean work environment, and promoting timely and efficient patient flow through the clinic. Has primary responsibility for the collection, processing, and recording of laboratory testing. Gives immunizations and other injectable medications under the supervision of the physician, nurse practitioner or registered nurse. Assists with patient treatments during clinical sessions.” [Indeed]