Good morning, Alexandria.

On Oct. 13, Stephanie Johnson accepted the 2026 Brenman Archaeology Award at City Council for work restoring Douglass Memorial Cemetery (1421 Wilkes Street), where over 2,200 have been laid to rest.

Descendants and volunteers planned further repairs and improved security to protect this historic site.

Alexandria residents can vote for the best veterinarian in the ALXnow Readers’ Choice awards until Wednesday, Oct.

28 (nominations are welcome if a favorite is missing). The poll highlights local clinics that provide essential care for the city’s pets.

Twosome Place is celebrating the grand opening of its first U.S. location at 404 King St. in Old Town Alexandria on Saturday, Oct.

17, offering giveaways (free tote bag for the first 100 guests), cake and coffee samples, and live latte art demonstrations from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Alexandria bursts with Halloween fun this weekend as a Thriller Zombie Flash Mob meets the Sticker Treat sticker crawl in Old Town, while the free 11th Annual Spooky Mad Science Expo takes over Patrick Henry Recreation Center on Saturday.

Other events include Fall Fest at Duncan Library + family activities.

On Friday, Oct. 16, more than 200 Alexandria Country Day School students packaged 18,000 nutrient-rich meals for World Food Day to fight hunger, joining teachers, staff, and families (who donated groceries) to support local neighbors and global relief.

Residents can join two free home weatherization workshops today at Mount Vernon Recreation Center (2701 Commonwealth Ave) offered by the City and My Favorite Fixer; sessions run from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m. and include hands-on learning and free energy-efficiency kits.

Alexandria will host a National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, Oct.

24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at four sites including the police headquarters, a fire station, The Neighborhood Pharmacy of Del Ray, and Walgreens, offering free, anonymous medication disposal (needles not accepted).

Amtrak is suspending train service between Union Station and Alexandria until Monday, Oct.

26 as crews upgrade a critical track switch — riders may use VRE trains from Alexandria to L’Enfant Plaza and shuttle buses provided at both stations to reach DC.

Alexandria teams up with Arlington to host a free webinar on Monday, Oct.

26 at 6 to 7 p.m. to explain the proposed merger by Dominion and NextEra and help locals submit comments to state regulators (public testimony registration is due by Nov. 2 with written comments accepted until Nov. 9).

City officials proposed no-turn-on-red restrictions and leading pedestrian intervals for intersections in Greater Old Town and Carlyle after 121 pedestrian crashes occurred from 2020 to 2025.

The Traffic and Parking Board will review the proposals Monday, Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. at 2900-B Business Center Drive (Zoom available).

The undefeated Alexandria City High School Girls Flag Football team has shut out five opponents and scored 162 points since Sept.

30. The 25-player team will play 10 games + head to playoffs on Nov. 11 and 14.