🌱 Feedback Needed For Local Survey + Environmental Award​ Nominations

Hello, neighbors! It's me, Nicole Fallon-Peek, your host of the Patch newsletter. Here's all the community news you need to know right now.

But first, today's weather:

Cooler; a little p.m. rain. High: 50 Low: 46.

📢 I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Greater Alexandria who want to build awareness, connect with customers and increase sales.

I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. If that's you, then I invite you to learn more and secure your spot now.

Here are the top three stories in Greater Alexandria today:

1. Attention residents: there is less than one week left to provide feedback regarding safety improvements at the intersections of Duke Street & South Henry Street, and Duke Street & South Patrick Street. These two intersections have seen more than 70 crashes since 2014, with multiple incidents causing severe injury, according to the city. Feedback is accepted through Feb. 28 here. (Alexandria Transportation and Environmental Services)
2. George Washington's Mount Vernon held a free admission day on Presidents Day, offering visitors a chance to experience special events, including a presidential wreath-laying ceremony and a naturalization ceremony, as well as the opportunity to meet General Washington. The next free admission day is today (Feb. 22) — Washington's actual birthday — with a full schedule of events, including demonstrations on how to make hoecakes, a favorite breakfast of Washington's, and a character performance with General Washington in the Smith Auditorium. Click the link to view the schedule of events for today. (Patch)
3. Nominations are open for the annual Ellen Pickering Environmental Excellence Award. The award recognizes both people and organizations whose environmental work or educational efforts have had a direct impact on protecting the city's natural environment and resources. Submissions are due by Mar. 17 and the award will be presented at the Del Ray GardenFest on Apr. 23. Click here to submit a nomination. (Alexandria VA)

Today in and around Greater Alexandria:

• Tummy Time (For 0-12 Months), At Charles E. Beatley Jr., Central Library (10:15 AM)
• History Talk - “We Return Fighting”: The Harlem Hellfighters in World War I, At National Museum of the United States Army in Fort Belvoir (12:00 PM)
• Hanging Out In Old Town!, At Fish Market Restaurant (6:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• On Monday, Old Town Alexandria saw a great turnout for the George Washington Birthday Parade! Click the link to view photos from the event. (Alexandria Sheriff)
• Are you in the market for a new home? Browse newly listed properties that are for sale in the Greater Alexandria area. (Greater Alexandria Patch)
• ACPS Board Member Dr. Michelle Rief addressed student accessibility and support in a recent video. Click to watch the video and learn more about the board's strategic goal to ensure all students have equitable access to and engagement with programs and support that reduce barriers to learning. (Alexandria City Public Schools)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Yates Automotive — (Visit website)
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• Old Town Alexandria Civil War Roundtable (February 25)
• Alexandria Citizen's Swing Band Spring Fling (February 25)
• XP League Open House (February 25)
• Shoff Promotions Comic Book & Sports Card Show (February 26)
• Add your event

That's it for today! I'll see you soon.

— Nicole Fallon-Peek

About me: Nicole Fallon-Peek is a journalist and copywriter with a degree in Media, Culture and Communication from New York University. She has served as a freelance reporter, managing editor, copy editor, and editorial director for a variety of B2B news outlets. She currently co-owns and operates content creation agency Lightning Media Partners.