Alexandria Accepting Applications for PARK(ing) Day 2019

(Image via @AlexandriaVATES on Twitter)

The City of Alexandria is currently accepting permit applications for "parklets" — temporary parks located in parking spaces around Alexandria as part of PARK(ing) Day on September 20. This annual, worldwide event demonstrates the importance of preserving and creating public open space in urban areas.

Businesses, nonprofits, and other entities wishing to sponsor parklets must submit an application (including a parklet proposal that complies with City guidelines) and an application fee. The deadline to submit an application is August 30.

On PARK(ing) Day, members of the public will be encouraged to explore parklets around the City and learn more about the City agencies and private organizations sponsoring these pop-up spaces. The parklets are a fun, creative way to engage with City residents and visitors.

For more information about Alexandria’s PARK(ing) Day event, including the permit process for creating a parklet and applicable fees and guidelines, visit the City's PARK(ing) Day page. After the permit deadline, a map of parklet locations will be posted.

Alexandria, Virginia Named the Safest City in America

Alexandria, Virginia has been named the safest city in the U.S., according to a recent study. Alexandria took the #1 spot on PennyGeek.com’s list of the 3 Safest Cities in America, which weighed violent crime rates.

PennyGeeks.com provides free information to help you save money on auto insurance. They publish small studies and blogs that provide tips to help you reduce your premiums, avoid issues when filing claims, and find the best rates for your particular needs.

Erie, CO and Round Rock, TX rounded out the list of the Safest Cities in America. Alexandria recently made the list of safest cities according to SmartAsset as well.

ACPS Cancels Weekend Activities Due to Snowstorm

Due to the impending weekend snowstorm, Alexandria City Public Schools (ACPS) has canceled all ACPS events/activities after 5pm Saturday, Jan 12 through Sunday, Jan 13. This includes all athletics & field trips, and events at ACPS facilities.

For the status of Rec programs held at ACPS schools, see the City of Alexandria Parks and Rec Facebook Page or call 703-746-4343.

3,000 Dominion Energy Workers Restoring Power in Virginia

Via @RayDomEnergy on Twitter

3,000 Dominion Energy Restoration Workers Continue to Make Repairs Amid Wind Storm

As high winds, gusting to nearly 70 mph, continue to impact Dominion Energy’s service area in Virginia, nearly 3,000 restoration workers are deployed across the state assessing damage and repairing equipment and downed power lines as conditions permit. In some areas, restoration work may be hampered by the winds, as they can put workers in bucket trucks in danger.

An additional 500 out-of-state restoration workers are expected to be on-site today bringing the total workforce to 3,500 personnel. They will work around the clock as quickly and safely as possible until power is restored to all customers.

Of the 621,000 customers that lost service, about 233,000 have been restored. As of 4:30 p.m. Friday more than 388,000 currently remain without power. Restoration times are not yet available because outages are still occurring from the high winds and crews must first respond to critical facilities, such as fire and police stations and hospitals.

Customers are advised that very high winds and rain can cause trees and branches to fall, which may bring down power lines. Beware of any lines that may have fallen or come into contact with trees, debris, or water. Stay at least 30’ feet away and make sure your family, pets, and neighbors also avoid the downed wire. Call Dominion Energy right away at 1-866-DOM-HELP (1-866-366-4357) to speak with an agent to report the downed wire.

If your power goes out, please report it at DominionEnergy.com or call us at 1-866-DOM-HELP. The fastest way to report or track an outage is online at DominonEnergy.com using your phone or other mobile device.

Customers relying on portable generators until service is restored should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for installation and only operate them outdoors with adequate ventilation.

Reminder: Alexandria Birthday Celebration Tonight at Oronoco Bay Park (Video)

The City of Alexandria will celebrate its 264th and the USA’s 237th birthday TONIGHT from 7 to 10 p.m. at Oronoco Bay Park, 100 Madison St., located at the Potomac River between Fairfax, Pendleton, and Madison Streets. Admission is free.

The celebration includes fun for the entire family, including musical entertainment, refreshments, and birthday cake. The featured performance of the evening is a concert by the Alexandria Symphony Orchestra at 8:30 p.m., culminating with a Grand Fireworks Finale featuring Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” with cannon support by the United States Marine Corps Basic Training School beginning at 9:30 p.m. In the event of inclement weather, fireworks only will be rescheduled for Sunday, July 14 at 9:30 p.m.

Oronoco Bay Park has lawn seating, and participants are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Refreshments will be available for purchase, but everyone is welcome to pack a picnic dinner. No grilling allowed.

If you have NEVER been to the annual bithday celebration, here’s a look at the pretty awesome fireworks.

Volunteer Guides Wanted at Gadsby’s Tavern Museum

Apply now for the Saturday, June 2nd Training 

 Gadsby's Tavern Museum is hosting a new volunteer training, Saturday, June 2 from 1 to 4 p.m for those interested in volunteering their time to give tours of this historic building. This three-hour class will cover all of the basics of giving tours of the museum. No experience is necessary, just a love of history!

Gadsby's Tavern Museum depends on volunteers to provide an educational and memorable .experience of the museum for the thousands of visitors who come for tours every year. Tour volunteers are asked to give a minimum of one tour shift, approximately three hours per month, for one year. Scheduling is flexible and based on the volunteer’s availability; weekend and weekday available. Volunteer benefits include free admission to more than 30 historic house museums in DC, a shop discount, free garage parking while on duty, and continuing education opportunities.

Pre-registration is required. Volunteers can complete an application online through www.gadsbystavern.org or email Michele.longo@alexandriava.gov.

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 N. Royal Street in the heart of Old Town, Alexandria and is owned and operated by the City of Alexandria. For more information, please visit www.gadsbystavern.org.

Mega Millions Jackpot Now $540 Million

What would you do with all that money?

 Via WJLA:

With more than half a billion dollars at stake, lottery fever has gripped the D.C. area.

The Mega Millions jackpot is now at an estimated $540 million, the largest in lottery history.

Overall, Wednesday’s 's lottery sales in D.C. were up 500 percent from last Wednesday. And with the hope of winning more than half a billion dollars, people are buying big.

“I just want to be rich and retire and travel,” says one D.C. resident. “I think a lot of people are excited. There's really a lot of hype about 500 million so why not spend a dollar to win 500 million.”

At D.C.-based Living Social, more than a 100 co-workers are buying into a pool at $10 a pop.

“We want to win,” says Stephen Taglieri. “We want the money.”

Friday’s drawing is considered to be the largest ever for Mega Millions.