A Word About the Onslaught of Snow…

Actually, that’d be 730 words, all brought to you by the City of Alexandria:

City of Alexandria Prioritizes Public Safety as New Storm Approaches

The City of Alexandria remains under a state of emergency as a new winter storm approaches, with a forecast of 10 to 20 inches of snow and near-blizzard conditions. Due to the current forecast, road conditions, and ongoing storm preparation efforts, City of Alexandria government facilities and all normal government operations will be closed on Wednesday, Feb. 10. All emergency and support personnel for emergency conditions are required to report on time.

Alexandria City Public Schools will be closed on Wednesday, Feb. 10, and Thursday, Feb. 11.  Employees are under Code X for Wednesday (no employees report), with a decision about the Thursday employee code to be announced on Wednesday.  A decision about Friday’s school schedule will be announced on Thursday.

DASH bus service will end at 7 p.m. today.  Visit www.dashbus.com for service updates.

“Residents need to recognize that the combination of these two extraordinary storms is creating a serious public safety challenge for our community,” said Alexandria Fire Chief Adam K. Thiel.  “Residents should not expect to return to everyday routines for several more days.”

The City’s efforts are now focused on preparing for the new storm and minimizing its impact. The top priority is providing mobility for emergency services and ensuring the safety of residents. Snow removal crews have been working around the clock since Friday; however, residents can expect that snow removal efforts will take several more days as the City faces several inches of new snow.

“I want to thank everyone for their patience and cooperation this week,” said Alexandria Mayor William D. Euille.  “I especially appreciate all those who have lent a helping hand to their neighbors in need, and have kept City streets clear to assist snow removal crews.”

The City requests that residents and businesses help during this transition from the February 5-6 storm to this latest storm by taking extra precautions to protect themselves, their homes, and property:

• Clear snow from around fire hydrants and from storm drains.
• Clear snow from heating and dryer vents to prevent possible carbon monoxide poisoning. Do not run generators in the home, garage, other enclosed spaces, or near exterior wall openings (including soffit roof vents).
• Prepare for the possibility of being stuck at home—potentially without power—by collecting food, medicine and other needed supplies. Place flashlights with fresh batteries throughout your home; do not use candles. Keep refrigerators and freezers tightly closed. If there is a power failure, do not use stoves for heat.
• Owners and occupants of buildings with flat roofs should reduce the current snow load in anticipation of additional accumulation.  If capable individuals can safely reach the roof, they should clear at least half the current snow if possible.  If only half the snow can be removed, clear alternating 2-foot rows to evenly distribute the snow load, rather than clearing one half of the roof and leaving the other half covered. The City is not encouraging residents with pitched roofs (roofs that are not flat) to climb their roofs. For detailed information about reducing the danger of roof collapse, visit www.alexandriava.gov/Storm .

The following City facilities and services will be affected by Wednesday’s closure:

• All recreation centers, libraries, museums, and other non-essential City facilities will remain closed.
• All City meetings and activities will remain cancelled.
• Alexandria Circuit, General District, and Juvenile and Domestic Relations District Courts will remain closed.
• Trash and recycling collection scheduled for Wednesday, Feb. 10 is cancelled and will be collected on Wednesday, Feb. 17.
• For detailed information about additional closings and cancellations, visit www.alexandriava.gov/Storm .

The William Ramsay Recreation Center (5650 Sanger Ave.) is open as a warming center.  Charles Houston Recreation Center (901 Wythe St.) is also available for warming and has cots for overnight shelter. For both facilities, residents should bring all necessities (such as food, water, and other personal items) with them. For more information, contact the Snow Emergency Hotline at 703.746.4488. For a comprehensive list of regional shelters, visit www.novaregion.org .

Residents are encouraged to visit www.alexandriava.gov/Storm for detailed updates and answers to frequently asked questions about the storm. If you still have additional questions, contact the City Snow Hotline at 703.746.4488. To receive the latest weather-related information and snow removal information, follow the City on Twitter or Facebook, or subscribe to eNews .

Meet Woodrow Wilson at The Lyceum

Photo courtesy of wikimedia.org.

Brought to you by Alexandria’s History Museum:

Meet President Woodrow Wilson at The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, on Monday, February 15, at 11 a.m., when Wilson will be brought to life by actor Brian Hilton. President Wilson, as portrayed by Hilton, will discuss his views on current events of the time of his presidency, 1913 to 1921, and then welcome questions from the audience. The Lyceum hosts the Meet the President program on Presidents Day, the day of the annual George Washington Birthday Parade. This event is free, as is admission to The Lyceum on this day.

Brian Hilton’s historic character portrayals are highly acclaimed. Because of his intimate knowledge of the lives and times of prominent people in history, he has performed at various venues and before National Park Service and National Trust for Historic Preservation audiences. Hilton has portrayed Woodrow Wilson for Fairfax County Public School audiences and at the Woodrow Wilson House, Wilson’s “S” Street residence, now operated by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Hilton has also portrayed Colonel George Washington, as well as Tobias Lear, Washington’s personal secretary, at the Mount Vernon Estate and Gardens since 1997.

One of eight U.S. presidents to be born in Virginia, Woodrow Wilson visited Alexandria on several occasions. On December 18, 1915, President Wilson and his new bride, Elizabeth Galt, secretly traveled to Alexandria’s Union Station to depart for their honeymoon, eluding reporters and disappointing spectators who had gathered at the railroad station in Washington, D.C. On May 30, 1918, President Wilson had the honor of driving the first rivet into the keel of the Gunston Hall, the first ship constructed at the Virginia Shipbuilding Corporation yard at Jones Point. Decades later, the bridge spanning the Potomac River, connecting Maryland with Alexandria at Jones Point, would be named for President Wilson.

The Lyceum is located at 201 South Washington Street in Old Town Alexandria and is open Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sundays, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, please visit www.alexandriahistory.org or call 703.838.4994 or after February 1, at 703.746.4994.

Need a Place To Get Warm?

Charles Houston Recreation Center Opened as a Warming Location

The City of Alexandria has opened the Charles Houston Recreation Center, 901 Wythe Street, as a warming location for residents until further notice. Residents should access the center on Madison Street. Residents are encouraged to bring all necessities, such as food, water, and other personal items, with them. For more information, contact the Snow Hotline at 703.746.4488.

Alexandria City Says: Get Ready for the Snowstorm!!

Alexandria’s eNews shares this warning….

Residents Urged to Be Prepared for Winter Weather
Winter Storm Watch Issued for this Weekend

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, including the City of Alexandria, beginning on Friday morning and concluding on Saturday evening. Accumulations of 12 to 20 inches are possible.

The City reminds residents of the following tips in preparation for the snowstorm this weekend:

• Move vehicles parked on snow emergency routes to alternate locations so crews can effectively clear snow from the roads. Visit www.alexandriava.gov/Parking for alternate parking locations.
• During heavy snowfall, road conditions could make travel very hazardous or impossible. City officials urge residents to stay off the roads and to stay home while City crews work to plow the streets. Residents should also avoid walking in public streets.
• Refrain from calling 911 or other emergency services unless there is a true emergency or life-threatening condition. The Alexandria Police Department’s non-emergency main phone number is 703.838.4444.
• Following the storm, immediately clear snow around fire hydrants and storm drains first. Snow should not be shoveled into the sidewalk or street.
• Plan to clear snow from sidewalks adjacent to your property within 24 hours of the storm’s conclusion to help ensure safe mobility across the City. Lend a hand to neighbors who may need assistance.
• Volunteer “Snow Buddies” are available to assist low-income elderly or disabled residents who need help clearing snow, but residents must sign up in advance by calling 703.746.4800. If you would like to volunteer to become a Snow Buddy, please call Volunteer Alexandria at 703.836.2176.

For general information about City operations during a snow emergency, visit www.alexandriava.gov/Snow. To receive the latest weather-related information and snow removal information, visit www.alexandriava.gov, follow the City on Twitter or Facebook, or subscribe to eNews.

Chit-Chat Corner (Jan-Feb, 2010)

Participate in the age-old tradition of casual neighborhood conversation (read:  gossip).  Click on comment link below and jump into the dialog.

Parade Day Open Houses in Alexandria

Free Tours of Gadsby’s Tavern Museum and Other Historic Alexandria Museums

On Monday, February 15, the day of the George Washington Birthday Parade in Alexandria, several Historic Alexandria sites will be hosting special open houses with free admission.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum, 134 North Royal Street, and the Stabler-Leadbeater Apothecary Museum, 105-107 South Fairfax Street, will both be open from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; the Friendship Firehouse Museum, 107 South Alfred Street, will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, 201 South Washington Street, will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors may tour these historic sites for free on this day.

Also open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. is the Historic Alexandria History Center & Museum Store, 101 North Union Street, where you can stop in and get dressed for the parade in 18th-century style! Make a tricorn hat to take with you, get your picture taken with the George and Martha Washington cut-out, and try on 18th-century clothing.

Did you know that Thomas Jefferson celebrated his inauguration in 1801 in the Gadsby’s Tavern ballroom? What was a popular tavern beverage of the time? What was considered luxurious for overnight accommodations in the 18th century? Visitors to Gadsby’s Tavern Museum will find out from Gadsby’s Junior Docents, volunteers from grade 2 through 5, at the place George Washington dined and danced.

At the Apothecary, which opened in 1792, visitors will see its unique collection of herbs and botanicals, while discovering the important role the Apothecary played in early Alexandria. Among the featured display items will be documents from Martha Washington, our country’s first First Lady, one of several famous customers who relied on the Apothecary.

At the Friendship Firehouse, first built in 1855 and remodeled in 1871, see hand-drawn fire engines, leather water buckets, axes, sections of early rubber hose and other historic firefighting equipment. The Friendship Fire Company, established in 1774, was Alexandria’s first volunteer fire company, and the restoration of Friendship’s distinctive cupola was just completed last year.

At The Lyceum, Alexandria’s History Museum, stop in for the special program “Meet the President” before the parade. At 11 a.m., Brian Hilton will portray President Woodrow Wilson and discuss events of the time of his presidency, 1913 to 1921, before taking questions from the audience. And before or after the parade, guests can also explore The Lyceum’s exhibitions.
For more information about these events, please visit www.historicalexandria.org.

Wanna Be a Swashbuckler?

Then mark your calendars for this:

Swordsmen’s Rendezvous at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum

En garde! Join Gadsby’s Tavern Museum for a unique living history program as you learn a skill all 18th-century gentlemen must know – swordplay! The programs on Saturday, February 20, and on Saturday, March 20, include re-enactment of 18th-century swordplay and a display and discussion of 18th-century weapons. This popular family event is suitable for all ages and will include some audience participation as you practice your newfound talents.

Swordsmen tours are scheduled every half hour between 11 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., with each tour lasting one hour. Admission is $6 per person, ages 5 and up. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 703.746.4242. This program sells out quickly, so don’t delay in making your plans!

In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Gadsby’s Tavern was the center of social and political life in Alexandria and the new Federal City of Washington. The tavern served as the premier gathering place for residents – including George Washington – and visitors to eat, drink, learn, and influence history.

Gadsby’s Tavern Museum is located at 134 North Royal Street in the heart of Old Town Alexandria.

When Will We Get Verizon FIOS?

Who knows!?

But the Carlyle Community blog wrote the city to ask and received this interesting response.

Facelift for The Calvert?

Photo courtesy of the Calvert Apartments (thecalvert.com).

The owners of The Calvert Apartments are thinking about sprucing things up. Already they’ve held a public meeting to share their plans with the public.

Oooo…this is exciting!

For the full scoop, take a gander at this tantalizing post over on the Arlandrian:

Renovations Coming to the Calvert?

Free H1N1 Flu Shots

H1N1 flu vaccinations are available free at the Casey Health Center, 1200 N. Howard Street (map). Vaccination is for everyone over 6 monthes of age. Both nasal mist and injectable (shots) vaccines are available.

For people in these CDC-designated priority groups, it is especially important to get the vaccine:

• Pregnant women
• Children and young adults ages 6 months to 24 years
• Adults ages 25 to 64 with chronic illness such as asthma and diabetes
• Healthcare workers
• Caregivers of children younger than six months of age

Walk-ins are accepted at the clinic, but priority is given to those with appointments. Call 703.519-5979, ext. 252 to schedule an appointment.

January Clinic Hours for the Casey Health Center

Monday – 8:30 a.m. – Noon and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.
Tuesday (children ONLY) – Noon – 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday – Noon – 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Thursday – Noon – 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 – 7:00 p.m.
Friday – 8:30 a.m. – Noon and 1:00 – 4:00 p.m.

Updates can be found on the Alexandria City website: http://alexandriava.gov/health