PLEASE HELP SUPPORT TITAN FAMILIES OVER THE WINTER BREAK

FROM THE TCW PTA: 



While we still can't gather in person to support our students who have lost parents to COVID or are living with food or housing insecurity, we can help our social workers provide some hope or perhaps even a moment of joy. 

Please give to help our families by purchasing a digital gift card and sending it to our social workers for distribution. Purchase virtual gift cards at https://www.giftcardmall.com/ and

submit them to Susan Parcell (susan.parcell@acps.k12.va.us) by Sunday, December 13th. 

(Virtual Gift card suggestions: Target, Walmart, Shoppers, Harris Teeter, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens)

Prefer to contribute via Venmo? Please reach out to Mr. Perini at erik.perini@acps.k12.va.us

Need help with online ordering or have questions? Contact PTSA volunteer Laurie Winakur at lwinakur@gmail.com

THANK YOU for helping our families!

Alexandria Turkey Trot

The region's favorite Thanksgiving morning tradition, the 45th Annual Alexandria Turkey Trot, is moving to a virtual format due to COVID-19.  While the in-person race was cancelled after consultations with local health officials, the community is encouraged to participate in this 45-year tradition during Thanksgiving week.  

Registration for the Turkey Trot Is Now Open!

    Participants in the Alexandria Turkey Trot complete a five-mile run or walk at the place of their choice any time between Nov. 21 and 29 and log their race times online. In addition to logging their times, all runners will receive a commemorative 2020 bib.  Click here to register!

     The annual event is and elps fund the community events in Del Ray. "The Alexandria community is known for its tremendous community spirit and deep generosity.  With so many of our small businesses and so many of our neighbors struggling, this year's Turkey Trot is more important than ever," said Del Ray Business Association president Sue Kovalsky.  " We look forward to seeing neighbors, dogs, and families running throughout Thanksgiving week."

Food Drive For ALIVE
     The Alexandria Turkey Trot is a major fundraiser and food drive for ALIVE, a nonprofit organization that serves those most in need in the City of Alexandria.  In 2019, the event raised over $6,000 for ALIVE, with runners donating over 2,000 pounds of food.  The Del Ray Business Association will be assembling food kits for ALIVE; the following items are needed:

• One-pound bags of rice
• One-pound bags of dried beans 
• Macaroni and cheese boxes
  Canned vegetable, soup and fruit (14-15 oz.)
• Canned tuna or canned chicken
• Baking mix, such as Bisquick (5-7 oz.)
• Peanut butter

      From Nov. 21 to 29, donations can be dropped off in bins outside during business hours at The Dog Store (2301 Mount Vernon Ave.), Waxing the City (2727 Mount Vernon Ave.), Del Ray Psych & Wellness (1900 Mount Vernon Avenue), Lena’s Wood-Fired Pizza & Tap (401 E Braddock Road), and the front porches of 403 E. Custis Ave. & 110 E. Del Ray Ave.  Donation bins will also be outside the  The Del Ray Farmers’ Market (Nov. 21 and Nov. 28 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.).

     The Alexandria Turkey Trot traditionally takes place on Thanksgiving morning with a fast and flat course through the streets of Del Ray.  The event, sponsored by the Del Ray Business Association and DC Road Runners, draws nearly 6,000 runners, including some of the fastest elite runners on the east coast.  For complete information on the virtual race, and to register and reserve your commemorative 2020 t-shirt, visit www.alexandriaturkeytrot.com.

GW Middle School Fundraiser

Thanksgiving may look a little different this year, but your dessert table doesn't have too!  George Washington Middle School PTA has partnered with Maribeth's Bakery and the PTA is selling pies (and rolls) to support the growing needs for GWMS families that are hurting this holiday season. The funds from this fundraiser will go toward our gift card campaign to help the community.

 

The offerings include:

      Pumpkin Pie - $20

      Apple Pie - $20

      Pecan Pie - $25

      A Dozen Pull Apart Rolls - $7.50

 

Pick up for your purchase will take place at GWMS on Tuesday, November 24th from 4-6pm. It's easy! Just drive up to the Mini-Gym and we will put the items in your car. No contact necessary!

 

Here is the link to place an order:  https://gwmspta.digitalpto.com/2020/11/08/maribeths-baker-pie-fundraiser-just-in-time-for-thanksgiving/

Please feel free to share this information with anyone else you know in the area that would like to eat YUMMY pie and support a good cause. Thanks in advance for your support!

Information from Seminary Hill Association re: City Issues and Meetings

from Seminary Hill Association:  

I try not to fill your email boxes with too many emails, but as we predicted, the City is moving full speed ahead with several important meetings and events on a short timeline that I would like to bring to your attention so you can participate if you wish.

The first series of events will be 3 lectures sponsored by ACPS in conjunction with the plan to rename TC Williams High School. Dr. Douglas Reed, the author of the very informative book, "Building the Federal Schoolhouse", which contains a large amount of information on TC Williams High School, will speak at each session. All sessions will be via Zoom from 6-7 pm. The first session will be Thursday, September 24th, and will discuss who TC Williams was, and his role as School Superintendent, and as a segregationist in Alexandria. The second session will be held on Thursday, October 1st, and will cover Alexandria's Role in Massive Resistance and Segregation. The third lecture will be Thursday, October 8th, and is titled The Real Story Behind Remember the Titans. You can learn more about these programs at the ACPS website at https://www.acps.k12.va.us/Page3412. All lectures will be taped for viewing if you are not able to watch them live.

The second important meeting will be the Community meeting to be held regarding the Taylor Run Stream Restoration project. This meeting will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, September 29th at 7:00 pm. As you may be aware, this project is intended to help meet the City's requirement to reduce the City's pollution load to the Chesapeake Bay, but as now planned, will involve serious environmental damage, including the loss of approximately 270 trees and irreversible damage to a rare wetland swamp found along the stream bed in the Chinquapin Heritage Trail. The Seminary Hill Association is very concerned about the impact of this plan and earlier this summer had asked the City to halt planning for this project until further information could be provided to residents. Nevertheless, during the summer, the planning proceeded ahead and now residents will be presented with a plan that is basically complete, but we are being asked for our input. Please go to the newly-created website for this project at http://www.alexandriava.gov/tes/stormwater/info/default.aspx?id=117629 to read more about this project and register to participate in this Zoom meeting

Finally, we were just informed about the invitation to participate in a virtual presentation on a Joint City and ACPS Facilities Master Plan (JFMP) We are asked to view the pre-recorded 12-minute visual presentation which discusses the need to maximize the use of public lands for multiple uses. This does, of course, include other uses on school grounds. After viewing it, you will be directed to a survey to provide feedback about your thoughts on the joint use of city facilities. As is the case with all surveys, you will notice a certain phrasing of the questions that can make it difficult to express your point of view.  So please take the opportunity to write comments in the spaces provided if you do not feel that the questions can adequately reflect your thoughts. The website for more information and the survey is https://www.alexandriava.gov/planning/info/default.aspx?id=113618#MeetingsandEvents.  The very short deadline for responses to this survey is September 30th, so please try to find a few minutes to register your thoughts before the City closes the survey.

For those who are interested in the project planned to build an apartment building and 15 townhomes on 2 single family lots adjacent to Fire Station 206 on Seminary Road, we want to provide an update. Along with neighborhood residents, Seminary Hill Association did testify at the September 8th City Council meeting, where pre-development loans were approved for 3 affordable housing projects located in areas of the city. Council did approve the $250,000 loan for the Seminary Road project, but in response to questions raised by SHA and neighbors, the approval came with a contingency. Thanks to the efforts of Council members Amy Jackson, Mo Seifeldein, and John Chapman, city staff was instructed to address, either in writing or by a virtual meeting, the concerns we raised regarding the topography and water issues on this stretch of property. A response from T&ES staff is expected next week. The developer attended the SHA meeting on September 10th and assured us that they will work closely with us as they proceed to determine if the project is possible. Seminary Hill will continue to monitor this project, as our initial reaction to the proposal is that this is a very inappropriate location to consider this kind of density in an area zoned for single-family homes with serious water issues, not only for the property in question but for all the neighbors surrounding the property.

The design for MacArthur School was approved by City Council on September 12th, so we can expect to begin seeing the demolition process in the near future. You should be aware that the initial budget for the school was $695 million.  During the design process, the budget apparently grew to $77.5 million, although the members of the MacArthur Advisory Committee were not aware of the increase during this time. Recent statements from ACPS indicate that the budget could now be $5 million over even that latest estimate. ACPS is in the process of trying to make adjustments to the project that can reduce the cost. Much of the cost overrun is alleged to come from the need for the underground parking garage in order to accommodate the larger staff and activities at the school. In addition, the school is scheduled to be a Net Zero energy building with solar panels, and the cost of the solar panels, which ACPS considered to be a future addition to the building, is not included in the latest cost estimates.

Thank you for participating in these events as you are able. The Seminary Hill Association will continue to do our best to monitor proposals that the City is pushing out at a rapid pace, and inform you of meetings and other events. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have concerns or issues you would like the Association to address. We are here to hear your concerns and represent you to the best of our ability.  As a reminder, our next SHA board meeting will be Thursday, October 8th at 7:00 pm. More information will be posted about this meeting later this month

Carter Flemming, President, Seminary Hill Association

Alexandria Listserve Created to connect community for storm related flooding issues

 A fellow Alexandrian has created a listserv to help unify the different neighborhoods who have been affected by the 

recent flooding. Please see the details below. If you would like to join please email Katie at kfwaynick@gmail.com. 

Neighbors,

 

Good evening. My name is Katie and I live on the northern end of Del Ray. After the flooding of July, my street started coming together as a more unified group to press for changes to relieve area flooding. As days progressed into weeks, we have picked up neighbors as far north as Arlandria and as far south as Old Town. Today, our full list has over 145 names and it keeps growing. I’ve tried to compile the most relevant notes and resources we have come up with, below, and will include all of you on future communications to the full group. 

 

With the list growing I do my best to protect privacy and have kept my full email list private and blind copy everyone when I send things out. As a general rule, my goal is to help get information out to include city resources on flooding and information on upcoming meetings related to it. 

 

 

ACTIONS YOU CAN TAKE 

 

1.     File a claim with the city for damages sustained – every claim has to be investigated and some have been able to get money for the city to support clean up efforts in their home. 

1. https://www.alexandriava.gov/Risk  
   
   

2.     Report issues 

a.     Anytime there is an issue on one of our streets – flooded basements, manhole covers coming off in storms, backed up storm drains, alleyway drains not working, etc. – report it through Alexandria 311. Every data point the city has provides valuable information. You can also download the 311 app and report from your phone. https://www.alexandriava.gov/Alex311

 

3.     Contact City Council

a.     In July we were really pushing reaching out to the City Council. It helped answer some basic questions and establish a good baseline for dialogue. At this point, they know people are struggling so I haven’t emailed them again but if at any point you would like to, follow this link to write one letter and send (via form) to all council members. https://alex311.alexandriava.gov/customer/request/CTYCNCL/details

 

b.     I’ve found the mayor to be incredibly responsive across all channels, email and social media. If email isn’t your thing, here is the link to his official facebook page. It is also a great resource for keeping up with meeting information and other topics related to the city, as he maintains an active presence there: https://www.facebook.com/justindotnet

 

 4.     Attend City Meetings and Town Halls – Consider Speaking or Asking Questions

a.     Many meetings have been made available digitally and flooding has been added to the docket of upcoming meetings. City Meeting Schedule Info: https://www.alexandriava.gov/council/info/default.aspx?id=9026

 

b.     Flooding was discussed at a meeting this morning. I was not able to attend but have been told it was recorded and am waiting to watch that. I was hoping to have the link to send out, but have not seen it yet. 

 

c.     An additional meeting will be held on 9/22 and it would be great to have a strong showing from this area. 

                                               i.     September 22^nd Legislative Meeting Info: https://apps.alexandriava.gov/Calendar/Detail.aspx?si=32160

 

d.     The mayor also holds a monthly virtual town hall and has encouraged residents to submit questions on this and other topics. They are held via facebook live and seem to be held during the first week of each month.

5.     Documentation

a.     It is vital that we continue to document these events in order to give a full account of what we are experiencing. If and when flooding occurs, try to get pictures and/or videos during and after the event, damages sustained, and anything else that tells the story of your house, street, alleyway, and neighborhood. If you aren’t able to get pictures during an event, look for high water lines from dirt and debris that can show where and how high the water rose. 

 

b.     This will also be helpful to better understand the different issues that all lead to flooding. Ask yourself the following related to the water you have enter your home. We have found that different homes on the same street will answer differently but all are important data points. 

 

I’m not asking for you to answer these for me, but you should be able to answer these in the event that it becomes relevant in your own discussions with the city concerning your property and/or street. 

                                               i.     Is sewage backing up within an inside basement shower, toilet, or other drain?

                                              ii.     Is a drain in your basement stairwell backing up?

                                             iii.     Do you have a backflow preventer? If so, do you have exterior drains that may back up if they are not able to drain via your sewer line if and when the valve checks?

                                             iv.     Does water enter through a back door? Where does that water come from?

                                              v.     Do you live near street storm drains that become overwhelmed?

                                             vi.     Do you live off an alleyway that becomes overwhelmed?

                                            vii.     Does your alleyway have drains that regularly backup, compounding the issues in the alleyway?

                                           viii.     Does water seep in through your foundation? Do you have window wells that fill with water and leak into your home?

                                             ix.     Does water enter your yard from adjacent property?

                                              x.     Do you have a combination of those listed above?

                                             xi.     What other factors or details have you noticed? 

  

RESOURCES

 

The following are some pieces of information that have been very useful in better understanding the full scope of the issue the city faces. The first, a 2016 report, looks at the 8 sub-watersheds within the city and analyzes everything from how topography affects runoff, to the size of pipes in the area and how they manage runoff. These are large documents, still working my way through them myself. 

 

1.     2016 CASSCA Stormwater Report

a.     Alexandria commissioned a report that was completed in 2016 that took an in-depth look at the 8 sub-watersheds located throughout the city and their stormwater capacity. Each watershed has its own sub-report and solutions packet and all can be found at the following link:https://www.alexandriava.gov/tes/stormwater/info/default.aspx?id=117415

 

b.     Summary report: https://www.alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/tes/Stormwater/CASSCA%20Final%20Summary%20Report.pdf

 

2.     City of Alexandria Sewer Master Plan: https://www.alexandriava.gov/uploadedFiles/tes/info/SanitarySewerMasterPlan-FINAL.pdf

 

  

Hope everyone is in the process of drying out and has an enjoyable end to your weekend.

 

Katie Waynick

Walk the Block, Tuesday September 8, for First Day of School

 Alexandria - Walk the Block 

Who: Alexandria residents who want to start their day on the right foot - particularly students and members of their households (pets included)*

What: A socially distanced walk around the block

Where: In your neighborhood

When: The morning of September 8, 2020 - Before you start your day. Let us know how your walk goes. Tag Alexandria Moves (@ALXMoves) and #ALXWalkTheBlock with a quote, a photo, or a quick hello. Participants will receive an electronic certificate, our version of a digital high-5.*non-walking neighbors are encourage to cheer for the students and celebrate this milestone*

Why: To recognize the first day of school; To get in the habit of getting moving in the morning; To boost physical and mental health

Brookville-Seminary Valley Civic Association, Inc. Neighborhood Night to Unite

Friday August 21, 2020 6pm

Brookville-Seminary Valley Civic Association, Inc. invites you to join us for our Neighborhood Night to Unite. On Friday August 21st we come together to celebrate our neighborhood and reaffirm our support of a diverse and inclusive community. We stand in solidarity with our black and brown neighbors against bias and systemic racism.

We will kick off our celebration with a socially distanced Bike parade through the neighborhood. At the conclusion of the parade we invite everyone to bring their grill down to the end of your driveway and share in one humongous cookout. Feel free to wander through our community, connect with old friends and build new relationships. Everyone is asked as they connect, to continue to practice social distancing guidelines and everyone is strongly encouraged to wear a mask as you fellowship with one another.

To help support those individuals within our community who have been greatly affected by the Coronavirus, there will be a neighborhood t-shirt for sale for $10 and all net proceeds will be donated to Alexandria’s ALIVE!, Inc. Each t-shirt will feature the BSCVA crest, #Black Lives Matter, and “Neighborhood Night to Unite.”

Click the link to Register to be a part of the Bike Parade. Click here to order your T-shirt(s). There is no fee to participate in the parade and t-shirts can be purchased either by check or PayPal.

For more information contact Vaughn Ambrose vaughn.ambrose@bsvca.net

Alexandria Food Distributions Friday and Saturday

Four Alexandria Food Distributions on May 28 and May 30

The City of Alexandria and community partners will distribute food at two locations on Thursday, May 28, and two locations on Saturday, May 30. Those planning to go are encouraged to drive whenever possible; however walk-ups are welcome and encouraged to send one person per family, wear a face mask, physical distance from others by 6 feet and bring reusable bags or carts to carry meals and food home. Food may not be consumed at any site.

Food distribution sites include:

• Thursday, May 28, 4-5:30 p.m.: Charles Houston Recreation Center Parking Lot (901 Wythe St). ALIVE!, Washington Street United Methodist Church, Royal Restaurant, Alexandria Redevelopment and Housing Authority, and the City of Alexandria will distribute meals and 1-2 bags of shelf-stable groceries.
• Thursday, May 28, 5-6p.m.: William Ramsey Elementary School Parking Lot (5700 Sanger Ave). ALIVE!, World Central Kitchen and Hunger Free Alexandria will distribute meals and 2 bags of shelf stable groceries and produce. See the flyer in English or Spanish for details.
• Saturday, May 30, 8:30-10:30 a.m.: Cora Kelly (3600 Commonwealth Ave) and John Adams Elementary (5651 Rayburn Ave) Parking Lots. ALIVE! will distribute at least 4 bags of shelf stable groceries, fresh eggs and a box of farm fresh produce at both sites, while supplies last. 

Learn more.

Beverley Hills Wheel Day

Wheel Day May 24^th, 2020

1-3pm

Porch Party Celebration

Food trucks in the Trinity parking lot. (Details to follow)

This year Wheel Day will look a little different. We encourage you all to spend time celebrating our community and each other safely and responsibly from your porch or yard. We ask that you wear a mask when you are out in the neighborhood to keep yourself and our vulnerable neighbors safe and healthy. 

Let’s get creative! Have the kiddos chalk up everything. Decorate your yard, your bike in your yard, yourself in your yard. Play music and dance! Do you have a super cool talent you could share? Do you juggle? Do you play guitar? Can you long jump over chalk lava? The more patriotic, the better.

 SHARE YOUR PHOTOS using #WHEELDAY20

• tag @AlexandriaNRCA on Twitter

• post on the NRCA Facebook page

As always, please practice social distancing and do not gather in large groups. Together Apart. 

Sponsored by the North Ridge Citizens’ Association, we hope to see you! northridgecitizens.org

Ways to spend time while social distancing

some ideas of things to do while you stay away from people and practice physical distancing.

BroadwayHD, a streaming service where you can watch Broadway performances. currently has a free seven-day trial Broadwayhd.com

Lunch doodles w/ Mo Willems via Kennedy Center

https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/mo-willems/

Museums and other sites that have virtual tours and lots of video presentations: 

Smithsonian Institute

@smithsonian

https://si.edu  

BBC Earth bbceearth.com

Stuck at Home? These 12 Famous Museums Offer Virtual Tours You Can Take on Your Couch (Video)

https://www.travelandleisure.com/attractions/museums-galleries/museums-with-virtual-tours

National Gallery of Art 

https://www.nga.gov/collection/locationview.70180.html?room=EG-106-B&ngaObjectId=70180&sortOrder=LOCATIONVIEW_DEFAULT&pageNumber=1

The most binge-worthy Lonely Planet travel videos

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/articles/best-travel-videos?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=article

Live Webcams and virtual tours: 

https://virtualschoolactivities.com/

100 things to do while stuck inside due to a pandemic

https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/health-wellness/2020/03/16/coronavirus-quarantine-100-things-do-while-trapped-inside/5054632002/

How to help students in need

MacArthur is collecting funds for grocery cards for families in need if school is closed for an extended period of time. A number of students at MacArthur and across ACPS rely on free breakfast and lunches at school, and prolonged and unexpected closures have a significant impact on those families. If you wish to help out, you can donate though the link. Please write in the note “grocery gift card.” Additional details are below. 

https://dmespta.memberhub.store/shopping/items/112950

The PTA will be collecting grocery gift cards on Friday and Monday.  If MacArthur closes, we have families that could use the gift cards while school is not in session.  The gift cards will be distributed by the school social worker, Ms. Fitchett.   Gift card donations of any amount are appreciated.  In the event that it isn’t necessary for schools to close, we will hold the gift cards until the end of the school year and give them to students for summer.  

March 3 Election Day Checklist for City of Alexandria Voters

On Tuesday, March 3, there will be a Democratic Party presidential primary election in the City of Alexandria. Polls will be open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Here are six ways Alexandria voters can prepare for Election Day:

1. Consider Absentee Voting

Don't let a long commute, business trip, vacation, disability or illness put your right to vote at risk. Your absentee ballot will be counted after the polls close on Election Day and included in the results reported that night.

The deadline to cast an absentee ballot in person is Saturday, February 29, at 5 p.m. Absentee voting is available at:

• Office of Voter Registration & Elections (132 North Royal St., Suite 100):
  Friday, February 28, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  Saturday, February 29, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

2. Check Your Polling Place

On Election Day, you must vote at your designated polling place, so be sure to confirm the location (and your registration) at vote.elections.virginia.gov before you go. You may also call the Voter Registration Office at 703.746.4050 or view the City's current precinct map.

At the January 25, 2020, Public Hearing, City Council passed an ordinance moving the Agudas Achim polling place (2908 Valley Drive) to the Charles Barrett Recreation Center (1115 Martha Custis Drive). Notices to voters impacted by the move were mailed in early February.

3. Know What's on Your Ballot

Before Election Day, review the sample ballot for your precinct at alexandriava.gov/Elections to help you make informed choices at the voting booth.

• Voters in Virginia do not register by political party, so any person registered to vote in Alexandria may vote in the March 3 primary election.
• Election officials are not permitted to provide information about candidates. The ballot was printed prior to the start of absentee voting in January and contains 14 names. Please research your choice before arriving at the polling place.
• There is no Republican Party presidential primary this March. Instead, the Republican Party will hold a statewide convention in the spring.

4. Bring Your Valid Photo ID

Virginia voters must show photo identification (ID) when voting in person. Examples of acceptable ID include: a Virginia driver's license, United States passport, military photo ID, employee photo ID, or student photo ID. You can review the complete list of acceptable identification at the Virginia Department of Elections website.

• Voters who do not have an acceptable ID may receive a free Voter Photo ID from Alexandria's Voter Registration Office. The office is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and on Election Day from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.
• Voters who do not bring a photo ID when voting may still cast a provisional ballot and have until noon on Friday, March 6, to deliver a copy of their photo ID to the Voter Registration Office or appear in person to apply for a free Voter Photo ID Card.

5. Don't Be Late

If you are planning to vote late in the day or after work, please remember that you must be in line at your polling place by 7 p.m. or you will not be able to vote.

6. View the Unofficial Results

After the polls close on Election Night, Alexandria election officials will begin posting unofficial results on the Virginia Department of Elections website.

During the weeks following the election, state and local Electoral Boards will canvass the results, make any necessary adjustments, and certify the official results.

For more information, contact Angela Maniglia Turner at angela.turner@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4050.

For reasonable disability accommodation, contact angela.turner@alexandriava.gov or 703.746.4050 or Virginia Relay 711.