Membership Meeting Minutes-March 8, 2023

March 8, 2023 DRCA Membership Meeting Notes

7:00 p.m. Board introductions and welcome 

7:05 p.m. Crime and traffic report by Captain Dennis Andreas 

  • Aggravated assaults (2) in Del Ray and an arrest was made in both cases
  • Burglaries (2) at the smoke shop
  • 18 larcenies over 30 days in Del Ray including 4 shoplifting, package theft, stolen license plates, 7 catalytic converters (Hondas and a Toyota). They recommend you paint the catalytic converters with a special heat paint. 
  • A stolen auto
  • 20 new officers on the Alexandria Police force
  • The body camera program will roll out this spring with 30 cameras

7:10 p.m.: Sheriff’s Office report by Sheriff Sean Casey

  • On their way to reaccreditation receiving top scores by the accrediting agency (triple crown, only 50 in the country with this status)
  • They are looking for volunteers at the detention center. You can sign up here. 

7:15 p.m.: Congressman Don Beyer for an Update and Q&A

  • Unfortunately the Congressman was not able to attend

Presentation to Alexandria Celebrates Women

  • The chili cook-off was a huge success! We had over 300 people and raised $2700 for the Alexandria Celebrates Women event. 
  • ACW will donate all of the funds to the domestic violence shelter in Alexandria. If you would like to donate follow the link here. 

Announcements

  • DRCA Gardenfest will be on Sunday, April 23 from 12-4pm at 2207 Mount Vernon Avenue. There will be many vendors including a greenhouse with Paw Paw seedlings. 
  • DogFest is Sunday, April 2 from 11am-3pm and will have 37 different vendors. https://www.visitdelray.com/events/del-ray-dog-fest-2023/
  • Community Lodgings is in need of diapers and cleaning supplies. Please bring items to the farmer’s market this Saturday. 
  • Del Ray Artisans have a new exhibit and ongoing classes. Check it out! They will have extended hours on First Thursdays. 
  • Parks committee – they are still waiting to hear back from the City on approval for the Adopt-a-park program for this coming year. We typically start up again in April.
  • MVPS PTA update with Elizabeth Reyna.
    • The Big Flea market is not happening this year due to storage issues. The was a large fundraiser this year
    • Upcoming science night with Cora Kelly
    • Soccer Saturday hosted by ASA
    • English classes for Spanish speaking parents at the school
    • Teacher grant funding up to $400 a year
    • Fundraisers for dental, lice treatment, field trips, and scholarships

8:00 p.m.: Adjourn