Saturday, May 30
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: I Received 100% of the Vote
Voting Nov. 5th last year seems like a long time ago especially since our current departure from the norm. But it is true, I actually did get 100% of the vote. On a single ballot.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Privatize Alexandria’s Public Works Department?
Alexandria’s public works department, T&ES, is a force unto itself. Responsible for streets and sewers primarily, it’s disconnected from the public which pays its salaries and funds its projects. It's time for our city council to privatize this organization.
People at Work: WoofPurrfect Refocuses Pet Product to Fighting Coronavirus
Susan O’Malley chases her brown tabby, Mikey, across the hardwood floor in the dining room overlooking the Potomac with a bottle of 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide to clean up Mikey’s mess. “He is really my bad boy.”
City of Alexandria Tests 3,000 for COVID-19
Free sites held in areas hardest hit by coronavirus.
The Alexandria Health Department collected more than 3,000 samples from local residents during two free COVID-19 community testing events held May 25 in areas hardest hit by the coronavirus.
Remembering the Fallen in Alexandria
Memorial Day ceremonies scale back during COVID-19.
The ceremonies were unofficial and scaled back. But on Memorial Day, the gatherings were just as somber and determined that the sacrifice of America’s fallen veterans would not be forgotten.
Sunny Skies Bring Out Holiday Crowds in Alexandria
Stay-at-home restrictions to be lifted May 29.
The skies were too sunny, the weather too tempting as scores of people flocked to Old Town over the Memorial Day weekend despite the city’s stay-at-home order that is technically still in effect amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Alexandria Man on FBI Most Wanted List Indicted on Terrorism Charges
A federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging an Alexandria man with conspiring and attempting to provide material support to al-Shabaab, a terrorist organization operating in Somalia.
Friday, May 29
Alexandria’s Week in Coronavirus
OPENING NOW: Northern Virginia will open into Phase 1 on Thursday, May 28.
Wednesday, May 27
Al Fresco Pandemic
Restaurants eye parking lots and sidewalks as potential outdoor dining spots.
In normal times, the parking lot behind the Del Ray Cafe gives the restaurant a competitive advantage. Drivers can turn off East Howell Avenue and pull into one of the dozen spaces behind the 1925 house that’s been repurposed into a thriving restaurant. These days, the parking lot is giving the restaurant a different competitive advantage, one that nobody saw coming a few months ago.
Park Goers Take Advantage of Openings on Memorial Day Weekend
At parks along the Parkway, many enjoyed the sunshine as relief from the quarantine days.
Parks open in Mount Vernon
Tuesday, May 26
Organizing Boxes of Old Photos
The daunting project can be broken down into smaller tasks.
Stacks of boxes containing thousands of photographs line the walls of the basement in Alice Denson’s Fairfax home. For the past five years, the 73-year old mother and grandmother has promised herself and her family that she would begin the monumental task of sorting and organizing the photos.
Opinion: Column: Time Will Have Been Told
In two days I will have completed four weeks on my low iodine diet (no chocolate, no salt, no dairy, no bread) with four days remaining until my one-night hospital admission and subsequent seven-day medical quarantine at home.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Local TraceX Team Develops Contact Tracing App
Since late February, our small team of UVA and Notre Dame students has been working on developing an early model of a bluetooth-based contact tracing app called TraceX.
Monday, May 25
Neighborhood Health Holds Its First COVID-19 Free Community Testing Event in Arlandria
Neighborhood Health, a local non-profit community health center serving primarily low-income and uninsured populations, has just completed its first community COVID-19 testing day in the Arlandria neighborhood of Alexandria, where 236 residents received free COVID-19 tests on Saturday, May 16.
‘We Will Never Forget’ in Alexandria
Amid COVID-19 restrictions, fallen officers remembered.
A tribute to Alexandria’s fallen law enforcement officers was held May 15 at Waterfront Park and Alexandria Police Department headquarters as part of a scaled down National Police Week due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Breaking Tradition in Alexandria
Drive-by celebration for new graduate.
When Juliana Mitchell entered the College of William and Mary four years ago, she envisioned a traditional graduation day taking place in historic Williamsburg.
Saturday, May 23
Surviving COVID-19 in Alexandria
Life after the coronavirus.
In early March, 18-year-old Ana Murphy came down with a sinus infection. But as her symptoms persisted, her parents, Gregg and Monica Murphy, both became ill. It was then that the family began to suspect that this was not a normal seasonal virus.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Alexandria Needs a Plan to Re-open
I commend the efforts to flatten the curve of the pandemic by the city of Alexandria and its residents but we must also prepare for a just re-opening of Alexandria's economy. Alexandria, like the rest of Virginia and the DC Metro Region adhered to stay at home orders, and asked businesses to close and citizens and local government alike have tried to reduce the number of cases of the CoronaVirus. Critical to reopening, like flattening the curve, is testing for coronavirus and the antibody, as well as preparation for contact tracers. But we must also continue to encourage social distancing and the wearing of masks.
Opinion: Commentary: One Night In Del Ray: A 2020 Retrospective
On May 29, 1970, a young black man was murdered in a convenience store in the Del Ray neighborhood of Alexandria. The young man, Robin Gibson, was just 19. The white store manager who shot Gibson later admitted to planting a knife near his body to make it appear as though Gibson had attacked him. The manager pleaded guilty to manslaughter and served less than 1 year in prison for his crime.
Thursday, May 21
Alexandria Week in Coronavirus
More 89,000 deaths in United States, more than 275 cases in Alexandria in one week, but most of Virginia eases restrictions.
.
Furloughed and Waiting
Uncertainty lingers as furloughed workers hope temporary layoffs come to an end.
When Joy Phansond was furloughed from her job as sales coordinator at the Holiday Inn in Old Town, the temporary layoff was initially supposed to last until April 5. Then it was extended to May 5. Then it was extended again until June 5. She suspects that it’ll be extended again until July at least because the hotel business in Alexandria has been slammed by the collapse of tourism, trade shows and conventions.
Appetite: Food Trucks Lift Spirits, Bring Community to Cameron Station
It’s a tale as old as time: Communities finding common ground with food, sharing meals together, looking forward to events that center on a family meal, a special occasion.
Wednesday, May 20
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Keeping Nursing Home Residents Safe
On behalf of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), I’d like to thank all those who work in nursing facilities -- doctors, nurses, food preparers, housekeepers, and others -- for their unwavering dedication to compassionately caring for the vulnerable residents who are relying on them during the COVID-19 pandemic. These facilities have been on the front lines of the pandemic, and our hearts are with all of those who have been affected by this virus and their families.
Opinion: Column: Time Will Tell
Nearly three weeks into my low iodine diet, in preparation for my hospital overnight on May 28 when I will get my radioactive iodine therapy, to be followed immediately by a medical quarantine at home for a week, I wouldn't say I'm thriving. More like persevering. I can't really satiate eating "rabbit" food, and what culinary pleasures I can enjoy, I can only have them in small quantities and infrequently at that. I won't give you a list, but just consider what any 10-year-old likes to eat.
Fairfax Week in Coronavirus
Fairfax County cases increase more than 1,600 in last week, and Virginia rises more than 6,000 cases as most of the state eases restrictions.
.
Parental Burnout on Distance Learning During COVID-19
How to survive until the end of the school year.
Whether deciphering algebraic equations and trying to teach them to a disinterested child or helping with a science experiment during a Zoom conference call, for parents who are trying to homeschool their children during the current COVID-19 pandemic, the struggle is real. Last fall, some parents developed a plan to deal with the academic burnout that occurs as the school year neared an end. Little did they know that the plan they created would be themselves.
Stay-at-Home Order Allows More Time for Road Construction in Virginia
When traffic is down, the crews extend time with lane closures, resulting in project progress.
The quarantine that seems to have no end is having some positive impacts. With most businesses closed and most people staying home most of the time, rush hours have been minimal, gas use is down, local streets are becoming the roads less traveled. For road crews, this is time to pick up the pace.
Opinion: Commentary: The Story of 22305 Is Not Unique to Alexandria
As the coronavirus spreads and more testing is performed, anxious residents are demanding more information regarding the rate of infection in their communities.
Monday, May 18
Play On: ASO Trio Serenades Goodwin House Residents
Residents of Goodwin House Alexandria were treated to a special performance by members of the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra during a May 7 musical program led by ASO Music Director James Ross.
40 Under 40: Alexandria Chamber Announces 2020 Honorees
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce has announced the 2020 class of 40 Under 40 honorees. This is the fifth class of honorees in the program, which was established in 2016 to recognize individuals under the age of 40 who are outstanding in their fields and shaping the future of the city.
The Other Alexandria: A Family’s Devastation of Influenza Pandemic: Bessie Evans Baltimore Carter
World War I ended in November of 1918, but another world devastation began. The 1918 Influenza “flu” known to many as the Spanish Flu was an invisible enemy that killed more people than World War 1. An enemy that did not carry guns nor grenades but was deadly.
On the Rocks in Alexandria
Sophie Richardson, a 6th grade student at St. Stephens/St. Agnes School, is brightening up the Vauxcleuse neighborhood near Inova Alexandria Hospital with rocks painted with uplifting messages for her neighbors to find.
Saturday, May 16
Island Vacation Inspires Kitchen Remodel in Alexandria
A dark and cramped kitchen gets sunny makeover.
During a vacation to the Maldives, Lesli and Daniel Creedon found inspiration for the design concept behind their newly remodeled kitchen. The family, which includes two 15-year-old children, wanted to capture the aesthetic of the powder-white sand and glass-blue lagoons that characterize the strand of islands.
A Socially Distant Celebration: Family Marks 80th Birthday at Goodwin House
Sandy Connolly celebrated her 80th birthday at Goodwin House Alexandria with a socially distant visit from family members.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Frank Fannon, Living Legend
It is heartening to see a citizen as solid as Frank Fannon recognized as a "Living Legend." Given the time and effort this Alexandrian has dedicated to making his community a better place, no one can question the appropriateness of the honor.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Save Our Pick-up Spaces
Back in March, the Mayor's office offered reserved spaces for pickup and carryout to every restaurant in the City. For those who weren't open for a while and may have forgotten, all you have to do is call the Mayor's office and they’ll make it happen.
Opinion: Letter to the Editor: Warehouse Design Charettes No Longer Appropriate
I noted that prior to this unfortunate COVID Crucible, the Old Town North (OTN) City Planning Commission venue for the OTN small area plan (SAP) was scheduled to be held 23 March, at St Paul's Church on S. Pitt St in Old Town South.
Opinion: Commentary: Senior Communities: Need vs. Want
As the Coronavirus seems to have many Seniors in its crosshairs, all of our local communities are scrambling to keep residents safe. Many of them report cases of Covid, and are making enormous efforts to both care for those affected, and protect the rest of their residents. Most are on “lockdown” of one sort or another, with virtually all restricting both visitors and meal settings.
Friday, May 15
Thursday, May 14
This Week in Coronavirus: Alexandria
Will Phase One begin Friday? Alexandria Mayor and chairs of Fairfax and Arlington Boards respond.
.
Now, For Something Completely Different
At the GW Community School, distancing doesn’t mean disconnecting.
.
Chirilagua in Crisis
More than half of those tested in low-income Hispanic neighborhood are positive for COVID-19.
Azucena Esquival lives in a cramped apartment in the Arlandria neighborhood of Alexandria, where the problem of community spread isn’t just theoretical. The pandemic is in her household. Earlier this month, she tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus. Another adult in her household paid $300 to get a test, which was also positive. They are living with two people who have not been tested. None of them are currently working, and they have no source of income.
Tuesday, May 12
Hunkered Down to Opening Up in Virginia
Northern Virginia leaders urge regional approach to reopening state.
.
Northern Virginia Reopening Should Occur When Metrics Met
Regional mayors and chairs send letter to Gov. Northam.
.
Monday, May 11
Saturday, May 9
Friday, May 8
Hunger Rising
Applications for food stamps skyrocket in Alexandria as local economy tanks.
Recent weeks have seen a dramatic spike in the number of people in Alexandria with no resources to put food on the table for their families, leading to a skyrocketing number of applications for food stamps as unemployment numbers climb and people in Alexandria suddenly find themselves in an awkward position — asking for help from the government just to buy groceries. Officials at the Alexandria Department of Community and Human Services say applications to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program have more than tripled since February, before the novel coronavirus pandemic prompted Gov. Ralph Northam to issue a stay-at-home order and shut down most of Alexandria’s economy.
This Week in Alexandria Coronavirus
Alexandria approaches 1,000 reported coronavirus cases and Virginia surpasses 20,000, but Phase I recovery could come May 15.
.
Thursday, May 7
Wednesday, May 6
Monday, May 4
Friday, May 1
Loan Sharks in the Water
Lawmakers crack down on predatory lending, although reform won’t happen for eight months.
The LoanMax on Mount Vernon Avenue in Arlandria is open for business during the pandemic, and colorful signs in the windows announce in English and Spanish that the car-title lender remains open during a stay-at-home order — offering loans at 200 percent annual interest during a time when unemployment claims in Alexandria are skyrocketing. Those kinds of interest rates will be illegal under the Fairness in Lending Act, which Gov. Ralph Northam signed last week after lawmakers signed off on some last-minute changes. But the ban on such high-interest lending won’t take effect until New Years Day 2021, which means high-interest lenders have eight months to engage in an unprecedented lending spree during the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression.
This Week in Alexandria in Coronavirus
United States passed one million Covid-19 Cases, and more than 50,000 deaths, while here at home, business task forces, hunger, more medicaid, expired licenses and more.
.