Alexandria Restaurant Preps 15,000 Meals for National Guard — “We will be closed today, Saturday January 16th through Thursday, January 21st. Last week, we were honored to be selected to provide meals to the National Guard during inauguration week. Our kitchen will be used to prepare 15,000 meals per day this upcoming week. We will re-open on Friday, January 22nd. We appreciate your continued support!” [Alexandria Living]
City to Host COVID-19 Vaccine Panel Discussion — “The City of Alexandria will co-host a recorded panel of local medical experts, civic leaders and community leaders to answer questions about COVID-19 vaccines. A premiere of the panel discussion will be available online in English, Spanish, Amharic and Arabic at 5 p.m. on January 27.” [City of Alexandria]
Alexandrians Describe Experiences During Capitol Siege — “They ended up gaveling out and Lankford’s staffer ran right up to him and his mic was still hot. He said something like, ‘They’ve gotten in the building.’ At that point, I was like, ‘Woah, what did I just hear?'” [Alex Times]
Alexandria Winter Shelters are Open — “As a reminder, the Winter Shelter is open 7 p.m. – 7 a.m. in two locations: Lee Center (1108 Jefferson St) serves single adults and @CarpentrShelter (930 North Henry St) serves families. Learn more about services: alexandriava.gov/49636.” [Twitter]
17th Annual Alexandria Warehouse Sale Returns Next Month — “The 17th Annual Alexandria Warehouse Sale returns this year in a different format and will take place over two days the weekend of February 6-7, 2021. Deemed in the region the longest-running boutique driven warehouse sale, the popular mid-winter event will convert to a walkable sale and will take place throughout Old Town with nearly 40 independent boutiques participating.” [Visit Alexandria]
Today’s Weather — “Generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds. High 52F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph… Partly cloudy skies in the evening. Low 33F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph.” [Weather.com]
New Job: Valet — “We are looking for Valets for our busy Sales and Service departments. Duties include parking and washing/detailing vehicles. Must have a valid driver’s license, a good driving record and be at least 18 years old. Must also be able to drive a manual transmission. Both full time and part time positions available.” [Indeed]
Alexandria, along with D.C. and Arlington, will be under a winter weather advisory starting tomorrow morning with possible rain, snow and ice.
The advisory was Tuesday afternoon and includes Arlington, Alexandria and D.C., where 1-2 inches of snow is expected to fall amid the mix of precipitation.
…WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT FROM 10 AM WEDNESDAY TO 1 AM EST THURSDAY…
* WHAT…MIXED PRECIPITATION EXPECTED. TOTAL SNOW AND SLEET ACCUMULATIONS OF 1 TO 2 INCHES. A LIGHT GLAZE OF ICE IS ALSO POSSIBLE ON ELEVATED SURFACES.
* WHERE…IN DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. IN VIRGINIA, ARLINGTON/FALLS CHURCH/ALEXANDRIA.
* WHEN…FROM 10 AM WEDNESDAY TO 1 AM EST THURSDAY. SNOW WILL OVERSPREAD THE AREA BETWEEN 9 AND 11 AM, AND CHANGE TO SLEET AND RAIN DURING THE EARLY AFTERNOON. SOME RAIN MAY FREEZE ON ELEVATED SURFACES.
* IMPACTS…PLAN ON SLIPPERY ROAD CONDITIONS. THE HAZARDOUSÂ CONDITIONS COULD IMPACT THE EVENING COMMUTE.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
SLOW DOWN AND USE CAUTION WHILE TRAVELING.
WHEN VENTURING OUTSIDE, WATCH YOUR FIRST FEW STEPS TAKEN ON STEPS, SIDEWALKS, AND DRIVEWAYS, WHICH COULD BE ICY AND SLIPPERY, INCREASING YOUR RISK OF A FALL AND INJURY.
Anticipating the storm, the Department of Transportation and Environmental Services released a quick guide for preparations.
While Wednesday's winter storm forecast evolves, we encourage you to make time now to ensure you & your family are prepared. Visit https://t.co/B1DOyCurI8 for more preparation tips and https://t.co/utu5YXlPJR to learn how the city responds to snow events. pic.twitter.com/4rDaYgebbI
— Alexandria T&ES (@AlexandriaVATES) December 14, 2020
In a meeting last week, city staff said locals should expect a milder winter season and some improvements to the city’s brine delivery systems.
Sound the sad trombone snow lovers, we've lowered predicted totals slightly one more time. Wednesday's storm will be a mess. Detailed briefing: https://t.co/8OoPCTLsc8 (1/x)
— Capital Weather Gang (@capitalweather) December 15, 2020
Image via National Weather Service
Virginia Tech Initials Officially Added to Potomac Yard — “The Metro board on Thursday unanimously approved a plan to add Virginia Tech’s initials to the future Potomac Yard station and remove the University of Virginia’s initials from the West Falls Church station.” [Washington Business Journal]
City Advises Preparation for Wednesday Winter Storm — “While Wednesday’s winter storm forecast evolves, we encourage you to make time now to ensure you & your family are prepared.” [Twitter]
Mitigation Mandates Go Into Effect — “Effective today, new statewide mitigation mandates include a stay-home order between midnight and 5 a.m., with some exceptions.” [Virginia.gov]
Washington Post Profiles Zero-Waste Old Town Store — “Enter Mason & Greens, the Washington region’s first zero-waste store. The couple flung open the shop’s French doors in Old Town Alexandria in March, just as the coronavirus was exploding across the country.” [Washington Post]
ACPS Superintendent Fields Questions About Reopening — “ACPS has decided to use “concurrent teaching” when in-person learning starts in late January. Watch this video to learn more.” [Twitter]
Staff photo by Jay Westcott
A leading Alexandria nonprofit that has given away more than 1 million pounds of food since the pandemic began is ready for the winter.
ALIVE! Executive Director Jennifer Ayers says that her organization is now giving out upward of 180,000 pounds of food every month. Before COVID-19, ALIVE! was giving out about 30,000 pounds of food every month.
“I feel like we’ve reached a level of new reality and we’ve scaled our operation to meet that, but we still feel we haven’t reached the peak of this process, although we’re better prepared to respond to it,” Ayers told ALXnow.
On Saturday, City Council will consider extending a licensing agreement with ALIVE! to keep using the city’s Archives and Records Center at 801 South Payne Street until Nov. 30, 2025. The five-year agreement was initially signed in 2015 and expired this past summer. ALIVE! also uses the old DASHÂ Bus Barn at 116 S. Quaker Lane for food distribution packing and distribution.
ALIVE! also recently launched an eviction prevention program to connect impacted residents.
“We’re seeing more and more people in need of all types of assistance, who are worried that they are going to being evicted,” Ayers said.
ALIVE! is currently conducting a children’t toy drive and recently announced an emergency food popup distribution this Friday, from 3-4:30 p.m. at 200 S. Whiting Street.
Photo via Alive!/Facebook
A winter preparation update headed to the City Council tonight (item 27) outlines plans for what looks to be a mild winter — a small mercy for city services at the end of a somewhat literally plagued year.
While day-to-day weather can be unpredictable, the staff presentation notes that information from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration shows that the city is not anticipated to have higher than normal precipitation and is within a belt of areas likely to see temperatures above the city’s winter average of 39.3 degrees. The trend is in keeping with steadily increasing average temperatures in the D.C. area over the last twenty years.
In the average year, snow and ice control teams are dispatched around eight times with an average total cost of $862,000.
New improvements are planned for the pre-treatment program, including a new dedicated large brine truck and a less corrosive brine system for concrete services — hopefully leaving less of a mess for the city to handle in the spring.
In the meantime, the city is working through contingency plans for COVID impacts on staff and contractor personnel. Anticipating more regulations from the Department of Environmental Quality, the city is also participating in a regional task force examining salt usage and best practices.
Staff photo by Jay Westcott
COVID-19 has definitely put a damper on the already slimmed-down list of winter activities, but there are still dozens of activities residents can start registering for next week.
Registration is offered through the City of Alexandria’s Department of Recreation, Parks and Cultural Activities will begin at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 9, for City residents and on Friday, Dec. 11, for nonresidents. Winter registration applies to programs taking place January through March 2021.
Programs currently offered include a table game tournament (like ping pong and air hockey), dance classes, hula hoop classes and other socially distanced activities.
“Get ready for a flurry of fun this winter with a variety of in-person options for all ages, plus new virtual programs,” the city said in a press release. “View a complete list of winter programs online. Due to potential schedule and capacity adjustments from COVID-19, a printed or online program guide will not be produced for the winter program season.”
The city said in the press release that health guidelines include symptom screening, face masked, enhanced cleaning and physical distancing protocols. Be sure to register early, because the city noted that limited COVID-19 capacity meant indoor activities will have a smaller capacity than usual.
Photo via City of Alexandria/Facebook Â
Fairfax Police Injured in Chase on Woodrow Wilson Bridge — “Three Fairfax County police officers were injured during a car chase involving a homicide suspect that ended with the person’s capture on the Woodrow Wilson Bridge on Wednesday afternoon, authorities said.” [Washington Post]
Power Outage in Carlyle — “We have about 2K @DominionEnergy customers experiencing outages in the vicinity of Carlyle. If you are out please report the outage online or by phone at 866-366-4357.” [Twitter]
Alexandria Man Sentenced in Kidnapping and Witness Tampering Case — “U.S. District Judge George J. Hazel today sentenced Henry Lee Kenner II, age 43, of Alexandria, Virginia, to 150 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for kidnapping and witness tampering.” [Shore News Network]
Winter Village at Cameron Run Makes Coronavirus Adjustments — “The Winter Village will be open on weekends, holidays, and prime visitation nights from Nov. 20 to Jan. 3, and ice skating only will be offered on select days from Jan. 9 to Feb. 28.” [Patch]
Alexandria Law Enforcement Honored for Heroism — “Deputy Jason Bebow and Deputy Julio Ocasio were honored for their rescue of an inmate who had attempted suicide at the Alexandria City Jail. Deputy Devon Neckles and Officer Shakita Warren were honored for their successful intervention with a suicidal resident.” [Zebra]
Staff photo by James Cullum
Virtual Opening Thursday for New Alexandria Townhomes — “Winchester Homes will host a virtual grand opening Thursday, Nov. 5, for Bren Pointe, a new 97-unit townhome community opening in Alexandria.” [Alexandria Living]
Indoor Sports Leagues Cancelled for 2021 Winter Season — “All indoor leagues organized by the Department of Recreation, Parks, and Cultural Activities (RPCA) are cancelled, including youth and adult basketball, adult volleyball, youth sports affiliate Alexandria Soccer Association’s indoor futsal league, and social sport gymnasium rentals. Small group sports classes, which are lower risk activities, will continue and will follow federal, state, and local guidelines for the safety of participants and staff. ” [City of Alexandria]
City Council to Hold Virtual Budget and Planning Retreat — “The Alexandria City Council will hold a virtual retreat meeting on November 7, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., to discuss the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Operating Budget process and develop the City Council Work Program for calendar year 2021.” [City of Alexandria]
Alexandrian Gets His 70-year-old Mom to Vote for the First Time –“I want [Joe] Biden because he cares about the people. Trump doesn’t care about us. He thinks this virus is just going to go away. This world is chaos. This world is nuts.” [Washington Post]
Free Flu Shots Available — “Now is the time to get a flu shot! Get info on Inova Cares Clinic for Families FREE flu shot clinics for uninsured people this month (first Alexandria clinic is Nov. 4) and low-cost shots to eligible residents at the Alexandria Health Department at alexandriava.gov/115055.” [Twitter]
Today’s Weather — “Sunny skies (during the day). High 67F. Winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Mostly clear (in the evening). Low 46F. Winds light and variable.” [Weather.com]
New Job: Member Service Representative — “The Member Service Representative position plays a key role in support of the YMCA mission by ensuring the reliable and consistent delivery of outstanding customer service to members and guests at the front desk at YMCA Alexandria, located at 420 E. Monroe Ave. Alexandria, VA. This is a great part time position with a varied work schedule.” [Indeed]
The Alexandria Drive-In returned to Eisenhower Avenue with a double feature on Halloween night, and there will be a dozen movies running this weekend until Dec. 5.
The drive-in showed “The Mummy” and “Casper” on Halloween.
“Our second series of movies will hopefully provide some humor on Halloween, especially with the absence of trick or treating, lighten your heart and any worries you have while you and your neighbors enjoy a few hours together, apart from celebrating the winter season,” said Kelly Grant, Chief Operating Officer for ALX Community, who came up with the idea.
The drive-in launched in August and the first six shows sold out in four days. The shows can hold 215 cars in the Victory Center parking lot at 5001 Eisenhower Avenue, and tickets cost $35 apiece. Proceeds from the events go to ACT for Alexandria and Athena Rapid Response.
“It’s so incredible to see the city come out and celebrate movies, togetherness, and charity during a time when going to the movies and being together is nearly impossible,” said Allen Brooks, Chief Operating Officer of The Garden, which partners with ALX Community. “Not to mention that we’ve already given $30,000 to a local charity that is already being used to provide desks for free to kids in the city through Athena response.”
The food trucks at the drive-in include DC Slices, Chix N Stix, Lattimore’s Funnel Cakes, and Popped Republic.
The Schedule
- Saturday, Nov. 7 — “Nanny McPhee” & “The Race” (Double Feature)
- Sunday, Nov. 8 — “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw”
- Saturday, Nov. 14 — “The Secret Life of Pets” and “Pitch Perfect” (Double Feature)
- Friday, Nov. 20 — “Sea Biscuit”
- Saturday, Nov. 21 — “How to Train Your Dragon” and “42” (Double Feature)
- Friday, Dec. 4 —Â “The Bourne Identity”
- Saturday, Dec. 5 — “The Grinch” and “Love Actually” (Double Feature)
Photos via ALX Community
With fall in full swing, the leaves are about to start coming down in droves in Alexandria.
Starting next month, Alexandria’s annual leaf vacuuming and leaf bag collection program will take away piles of leaves left on curbs all around the city. The leaves will be ground into mulch, which is available in the spring and summer.
Residents are asked to recycle leaves by leaving them on the curb to be vacuumed, or in paper bags, which can be picked up for free at City Hall, recreation centers and at the City’s self-serve shed on Business Center Drive.
Please see below for an up-to-date schedule, help determining your collection zone, preparation instructions, and frequently asked questions regarding leaf collection.
“Residents may receive leaf collection status updates by signing up for the free Alexandria eNews service and subscribing to ‘Resource Recovery Updates,’ or by following the Department of Transportation & Environmental Services on Facebook, Twitter or Instag
Alexandria is divided into five collection zones. Of those four zones, Old Town is divided into four additional sections.
The leaf collection will occur at the following locations:
First Pass Dates:
November 2 – ZONE 2
November 6 – ZONE 3
November 12 – ZONE 4
November 18 – ZONE 1In Old Town:
November 2 – Section 5A
November 6 –Â Section 5B
November 12 –Â Section 5C
November 18 – Section 5DThese are the estimated start dates for leaf collection in each zone; crews will not vacuum every street in the zone on the first date, it will take them several days to complete each pass in each zone.
- Remove stones, litter, branches or other debris. These items can damage our equipment and hurt workers
- Avoid placing leaves in front of storm drains or on water meter covers
- Move parked cars off leaf piles
- Do not rake leaves into alleys or service roads
Maps via City of Alexandria
