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.
Residents Protest Fairfax County Gun Ban
Open carry hike held in wake of new gun ordinance
A group of Fairfax County residents gathered Sept. 19 at the Dyke Marsh Wildlife Preserve for what was billed as an open carry hike along the Mount Vernon Trail in protest of the recent Board of Supervisors vote to ban guns on public property.
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.
‘The Need Continues’ in Mount Vernon
Backpacks, school supplies distributed to families in need.
Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Chief John Butler was among the volunteers at Penn Daw Fire Station 11 Aug. 31 to distribute more than 1,100 backpacks filled with school supplies for families in need throughout the county.
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.
Eva Shea to Lead Alexandria Sportsman’s Club
First female president in Sportsman’s Club history.
Eva Shea, a two-time All American and two-time All New England Lacrosse player, has been elected as the 2020-2021 president of the Alexandria Sportsman’s Club.
Alexandria Sportsman’s Club Awards $16k to Student Athletes
TC, Bishop Ireton among honorees.
The Alexandria Sportsman’s Club has awarded $16,000 in scholarships to eight high school student athletes for exemplary performance in athletics and academics.
Obituary: Ron Umbeck dies at 78
Taught mathematics at Bishop Ireton for over 50 years.
Ron Umbeck, a beloved and dedicated educator at Bishop Ireton High school for more than 50 years, died July 13 at Inova Alexandria Hospital after suffering a fall at his home earlier this month. He was 78 years old.
Public Art Installation Opens in Waterfront Park in Alexandria
New exhibit frames 300 years of African American history.
Following delays of several months due to COVID-19 restrictions, the city has formally opened its newest public art installation at the Alexandria waterfront.
Health Care Heroes in Mount Vernon
#CAREavanChallenge visits assisted living facilities.
The gauntlet was thrown. ElderTree Care Management Services challenged care providers to get creative and show appreciation for health care aides at local assisted living facilities.
Health Care Heroes in Alexandria
#CAREavanChallenge visits assisted living facilities.
The gauntlet was thrown. ElderTree Care Management Services challenged care providers to get creative and show appreciation for health care aides at local assisted living facilities.
Land of the Free: Alexandria
Homes across the city were adorned with displays of patriotism over a Fourth of July weekend that was more subdued than usual due to ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
‘Flags for Heroes’ in Mount Vernon
Hundreds of flags on display through July 11.
A lone bagpiper stood among hundreds of American flags as the strains of Amazing Grace wafted through the air during the opening ceremony of the 3rd annual Flags for Heroes display June 28 at Cedar Knoll Restaurant along the George Washington Parkway.
T.C. Williams: What’s in a Name?
Efforts intensify to change name of T.C. Williams High School.
When the Disney movie “Remember the Titans” was released in 2000, it brought national attention to T.C. Williams High school. Starring Academy Award winner Denzel Washington, the movie shone a spotlight on the integration of Alexandria’s public high school and the 1971 undefeated season of its football team.
‘It’s Been an Honor’: Trailblazing Judge Dawkins Retires After 26 Years
Nolan Dawkins grew up at a time when Alexandria segregated everything from water fountains to public schools. But he was determined to make a difference, becoming one of seven individuals to integrate George Washington High School in the 1960s, then distinguishing himself as an officer in Vietnam.
Engin Artemel Dies at 81
Former Alexandria Director of Planning spearheaded waterfront development.
The story is one of family legend. When Engin Artemel first arrived in the United States from Istanbul, Turkey, he had $20 in his pocket and virtually no English in his vocabulary.
Feeding the Fight in Alexandria
Friendship Firehouse wraps up food delivery.
Members of the Friendship Veterans Fire Engine Association wrapped up a 6-week period of delivering over 600 meals to Alexandria firefighters with a donation of lunches June 5 from Foster’s Grille.
A Vested Interest in Alexandria
APD K-9 Taz to receive body armor.
The Alexandria Police Department’s K-9 Taz, a 2-year old German Shepherd who was imported from Hungary, will receive a bullet and stab protective vest, thanks to a donation from local residents Chuck and Cathy Rey and the nonprofit organization Vested Interest in K-9s, Inc.
‘Homegrown’ Filmmakers in Alexandria
ASO, Film Festival announce joint partnership selections.
The Alexandria Film Festival, in partnership with the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra, has announced the six filmmakers that have been selected to participate in its joint project, HomeGrown: American Stories in Music and Film.
Titan Triumph
T.C. Williams holds online commencement.
It wasn’t the graduation ceremony the senior class expected when the school year began in September, but across the city students and families celebrated June 13 as T.C. Williams High School held a virtual graduation ceremony for the Class of 2020.
Safely Celebrating Seniors in Alexandria
Commonwealth Academy holds drive-in graduation.
Alexandria’s Commonwealth Academy creatively celebrated its class of 2020 with a drive-in ceremony June 5 in the Potomac Yard parking lot.