Alexandria Turkey Trot Goes Virtual
Race continues to support ALIVE!
The 45th annual Alexandria Turkey Trot, a Thanksgiving Day tradition that draws more than 6,000 runners to the streets of Del Ray, is moving to a virtual format for 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Operation Warm in Alexandria
Winter coats donated to families in need
More than 700 new coats and thousands of books were given to Alexandria children and families in need as part of the Firefighters and Friends to the Rescue annual coat drive.
‘We’ve Got to Unite This Country’
John Warner recalls WWII service, political career
Former U.S. Senator John Warner, a veteran of World War II and the Korean War, was the featured speaker at the Nov. 10 meeting of the Alexandria Rotary Club.
A Salute to Veterans in Alexandria
For more than 100 years, America has been honoring its veterans on November 11, marking the date in 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect as the sound of artillery went silent along the Western Front in France.
Taste For Giving Set for Nov. 14
Fundraiser goes virtual to support local nonprofits
The Rotary Club of Alexandria’s Taste For Giving, an annual fundraiser that supports dozens of local charities providing crucial services throughout the city, will be held virtually this year due to COVID-19 restrictions on large social gatherings.
Happy Halloween in Alexandria
A rare Blue Moon illuminated Halloween 2020, a quieter affair than in pre-pandemic days that saw families and neighbors mark the holiday with socially distanced gatherings.
Paving the Way in Alexandria
Memorial Walkway celebrates legacy of Parker-Gray School.
The 100th anniversary of the founding of Parker-Gray School, for decades the lone place of education for Alexandria’s African American community, was celebrated Oct. 24 with the dedication of a brick Memorial Walkway on the grounds of its original site at the Charles Houston Recreation Center.
Witchful Thinking in Alexandria
Ghouls still want some fun on Halloween.
Halloween will look different this year, with COVID-19 safety a priority as children and adults look for alternative ways to celebrate the ghoulish holiday.
Officer Shot, Suspect Dead in Old Town Alexandria Shooting
Second suspect in State Police custody
North Old Town was on lockdown for several hours Oct. 26 following a double shooting that left an Alexandria police officer wounded and a suspect fatally injured on the 600 block of First Street near the Old Town Holiday Inn.
Obituary: Dr. Nancy Durant Edmonds
Daughter of Dr. Oswald Durant dies at 92
Dr. Nancy Durant Edmonds, daughter of noted Alexandria doctor Oswald Durant, died unexpectedly at her home in Plainfield, N.J. at the age of 92.
Oktoberfest Goes Virtual in Alexandria
SSA holds 9th annual fundraiser
Senior Services of Alexandria went virtual as it held its 9th annual Oktoberfest on Oct. 15 with supporters across the city hosting small in-home gatherings in support of SSA programs.
Spooky Science in Alexandria
Mad Science Expo inspires STEAM learning
With social distancing measures in place, hundreds of future astronauts, scientists, mathematicians and engineers turned out Oct. 17 at The Watergate at Landmark for the fourth annual Spooky Mad Science Expo, an event to combine Halloween and science learning projects.
Aw Shucks: Fish Market Takes Oyster Shucking Title in Alexandria
The competition was fierce, but in the end it was Gerson Baten of the Fish Market who took top honors at the first annual Oyster Week Oyster Shucking contest Oct. 17 at the City Marina. “I don’t have any secret,” said Baten, who has been shucking oysters for 8 years. “I just like shucking oysters fast.” Sponsored by the Old Town Business Association, the contest was the culmination of Oyster Week, which ran Oct. 12-17, with restaurants featuring oyster specials. Due to COVID, the planned Oyster Festival was downgraded to an Oyster Week. Representatives from local restaurants were judged on shucking speed as well as the quality of presentation. The event was sponsored by Guinness Beer and held behind Torpedo Factory Art Center.
Obituary: Joe Shumard
“Mr. Parade,” volunteer organizer dies at 67
No name is more synonymous with Alexandria’s signature events than Joe Shumard.
Obituary: Bernard ‘Bernie’ Cohen
Trailblazing attorney dies at 86
In 1963, Bernie Cohen was barely out of law school, practicing on King Street in Alexandria and doing pro bono work for the American Civil Liberties Union.
Evelyn deLottinville, Local Business Leader, Dies at 64
Evelyn deLottinville, vice president and branch manager at the Duke Street branch of United Bank, died Sept. 28 after a brief battle with leukemia.
Best in Business in Alexandria
INOVA Alexandria tops 2020 honorees
Campagna Center president and CEO Tammy Mann was honored by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce as the Business Leader of the Year at the Oct. 1, 2020 Best in Business Awards.
40 Under 40 in Alexandria
Chamber to honor young leaders Oct. 29
The Alexandria Chamber of Commerce will pay tribute to the city’s young business and community leaders Oct. 29 at the fifth annual 40 Under 40 awards ceremony.
Mary Moran Dies at 65
Mary Moran, a longtime Alexandria resident who relocated in recent years to Leonardtown, Md., died Oct. 1 following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer.
The Great Pumpkin Patch in Alexandria
Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill hosts 27th annual charity fundraiser
The corner of Seminary Road and Quaker Lane is once again ablaze in a sea of orange as Immanuel Church-on-the-Hill hosts its 27th annual Pumpkin Patch fundraiser for charity.
Warner, Restaurateurs Meet in Alexandria
Questions abound on stalled pending relief
Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA) met with area restaurateurs Oct. 5 for a discussion on how Congress can support the industry and its workforce during the economic crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Getting Out, Giving Back in Alexandria
Opportunities abound to help community
As Alexandrians continue facing challenging times during the pandemic, individuals have rallied in their spirit of giving, whether it be in time, talents or resources with no shortage of opportunities to get involved.
Getting Down to Business in Alexandria
Guide to navigating the ABCs of Alexandria, for newcomers and the rest of us
With Alexandrians living in the shadow of the nation’s capital, acronyms such as DoD, NSA and DHS are a part of the daily vernacular.
There’s No Place Like Home in Alexandria
City adapts in changing times
Alexandria has for centuries been known primarily as the hometown of George Washington, attracting history aficionados from across the globe to its cobblestone streets and lively waterfront.
‘Too Blessed to be Stressed’ in Alexandria
Walk-by parade held for Jim Henson.
Family and friends gathered for a socially distanced walk-by parade Sept. 27 to honor Jim Henson, who was recently diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer.
‘Notorious RBG’
Vigil held to honor Justice Ginsburg
Generations of Alexandrians turned out Sept. 24 to participate in a candlelight vigil and walk in memory of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died Sept. 18 after a battle with cancer.
Del Ray’s Art on the Avenue Goes Virtual
5th anniversary festival to run Oct. 3 to Dec. 25
One of the region’s premier arts festivals is going virtual for 2020, with Del Ray’s Art on the Avenue kicking off Oct. 3 and running through Dec. 25 in an effort to provide ongoing support to local artists.
Crowds Gather for Early Voting in Alexandria
Absentee ballot requests increase across the state; Alexandria line moves well.
Voters across the state braved long lines and wait times in some places of several hours as early voting began Sept. 18 for the upcoming Nov. 3 general election.
The Search Continues: Sept. 18 is POW/MIA Day
The strains of “God Bless America” were the last words anyone would hear from Capt. Humbert “Rocky” Versace before he was executed Sept. 26, 1963, while a prisoner of war in Vietnam.
Just Say Yes in Alexandria
Monte Durham salon opens in Old Town
Celebrity stylist Monte Durham of TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress” celebrated the grand opening of his new eponymous salon Sept. 12 in Old Town with a ribbon cutting followed by a reception held at Hummingbird Bar & Kitchen at Hotel Indigo.
18th Annual Arts Festival in Alexandria
New Carlyle location a success with artists.
The 18th annual Alexandria Old Town Arts Festival took place Sept. 12 and 13 in the Carlyle district, one of many changes to the city’s longtime arts festival.
A Chilly Reception in Alexandria
ALIVE! receives donated shipping container.
Mayor Justin Wilson was among those on hand Sept. 14 when the nonprofit ALIVE! was formally presented with a refrigerated shipping container from AMX Leasing, the trailer/tractor arm of Abilene Motor Express.
‘We Will Never Forget’ in Alexandria
City marks 19th anniversary of 9-11 attacks.
It remains the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history: an unimaginable act of terrorism that took the lives of 13 Alexandria residents on Sept. 11, 2001.
Sweet Surprise: Del Ray Celebrates Ryan Bailey’s 31st Birthday.
The Del Ray community turned out for one of its own Aug. 30 to hold a surprise drive-by celebration in honor of Ryan Bailey’s 31st birthday.
Eddie George to Speak Sept. 16
ASC to Host Heisman winner, NFL great via Zoom.
Heisman Trophy winner and four-time NFL Pro Bowler Eddie George will be the featured speaker at the Sept. 16 meeting of the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club.
Above and Beyond in Alexandria
First responders honored in hybrid Valor Awards ceremony.
The Chamber ALX held its 2020 Valor Awards Aug. 27 at the Hilton Old Town Alexandria in a hybrid ceremony that adhered to social distancing guidelines while honoring the city’s first responders for their heroic actions in the line of duty.
‘The Need Continues’ in Alexandria
Backpacks, school supplies distributed across the city.
More than 800 families from across the city turned out to pick up backpacks and school supplies as part of a citywide back-to-school drive Aug. 22 and 23.
Bargain Shoppers United in Alexandria
Rainy skies don’t dampen enthusiasm for sidewalk sale.
Rainy skies were no match for bargain hunters, who turned out to support more than 50 locally owned businesses during the annual Old Town and Del Ray Sidewalk Sale held Aug. 15 and 16.
‘Flower Flashing’ in Alexandria
Garden Clubs unite to spread beauty of nature
The Hunting Creek Garden Club and Garden Club of Alexandria joined forces to provide a “flower flash” at the Alexandria Police Department Headquarters Aug. 5 to culminate a month-long effort to share the beauty of nature with the community.
For (Some) Women, Right to Vote Came 100 Years Ago
City marks centennial of 19th amendment
Harry Burn was a staunch anti-suffragist.
Blood-Stained Hands in Alexandria
City marks 1899 lynching of Benjamin Thomas, who was 16.
It happened just after midnight. On Aug. 8, 1899, 16-year-old Benjamin Thomas was attacked at the city jail on Saint Asaph Street and dragged half a mile by an angry mob of white citizens in what would become the second lynching of an African American man in two years.
Obituary: Bob Calhoun
Former vice mayor, state senator dies at 83.
Bob Calhoun, a political statesman who represented Alexandria in elected office for 20 years, died Aug. 6 at his country wildlife preserve in Berryville, Va., following a battle with prostate cancer. He was 83 years old.
Obituary: James Breeding
Al’s Steakhouse owner dies at 52.
Like many Alexandrians, James Breeding was a frequent visitor to Al’s Steakhouse in Del Ray.
‘Titan Oak’ in Danger in Alexandria
Residents rally to save 150-year-old tree at TC.
Concerned citizens and local activists gathered July 21 on the campus of T.C. Williams High School to protest the planned removal of a 150-year-old oak tree to make way for a new concession stand at the school’s Parker-Gray Memorial Stadium.
‘Cancel Our Rent’ in Alexandria
Southern Towers residents protest eviction hearings.
Residents of Southern Towers apartments gathered July 15 at the Franklin P. Backus Courthouse in Old Town to protest for the cancellation of rent payments and demand an extension to a statewide moratorium on evictions, which expired last month.
Seniors to Protest Via Zoom
Online forum scheduled for July 27.
An online protest for older adults is being planned via Zoom to allow seniors to “gather in solidarity and bring attention to the need to end systemic racism and push for police reform,” according to the event organizers.
City of Alexandria Employee Dies in Car Crash
Robert Bloom was Public Safety Systems Administrator.
Robert Bloom, the Public Safety Systems Administrator in the Department of Emergency and Customer Communications (DECC) for the City of Alexandria, died July 20 after his SUV struck a traffic pole at the intersection of North Kings Highway and Telegraph Road in the Huntington section of Fairfax County.
150 Years of Service in Alexandria
APD marks founding of police department.
The Alexandria Police Department marked the 150th anniversary of its founding with an informal gathering July 15 at police headquarters.
Alexandria’s Irish Walk to Close July 31
Economic uncertainty ends 50-year run.
The Irish Walk, a landmark shopping destination in Old Town for over 50 years, will be closing its doors July 31, a casualty of a string of recent economic challenges.
Unsung Heroes
Rotary project raises $16k for local nonprofits.
The Rotary Club of Alexandria raised $16,000 for local nonprofits through its third annual Flags for Heroes program, a display of 200 flags along the George Washington Parkway at Cedar Knoll Restaurant.