It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Old Town Alexandria Waterfront gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Alexandria, VA is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“My family and I were blessed to find Rashid and his wonderful team of caregivers!”
“I'm writing this review as a friend and sometimes caregiver of a person with dementia.”
“Hi, Please know my Five Stars rating is very real & very honest! I reached out”
“My family has used Always Best Care for about five months now. We are grateful”
“Scott and his staff were excellent to work with. We quickly needed all night”
“My mother required some post-surgical assistance as she was healing from a knee replacement procedure.”
“Scott Maquire, owner is helpful and will work with you to develop a plan that”
“I had caregivers for my elderly mother from Always Best Care for close to three”
“Finding Always Best Care was a game changer for me and my mom (after trying”
“Our experience with Always Best Care Senior Services of Herndon was positive. Excellent communication and”
“Our family was delighted to have found Always Best Care Senior Services, having been recommended”
“With my wife bed bound and I the only caretaker, I was soon exhausted. Scott”
“I am a past client of this provider My mother was in hospice care and needed”
“Scott and his team provided excellent companion care for Mom as her dementia progressed. They”
“I had the good fortune to work for Scott Maguire at ABC following my move”
“Anyone reading this is likely where my family was. Completely exhausted and desperate. My husband”
“Wow--my family has worked with a number of companies to assist us through the years”
“I couldn’t be happier with the care Scott and his team have provided my mother”
“I can't say enough good things about Always Best Care. They have have been very”
“They were able to find a suitable care-giver within a relatively short time frame”
“Scott Maguire at ABC was very helpful when I needed to find an assisted living”
“I have worked with this company for many years as the leader in an assisted”
“Always Best Care has provided a wealth of knowledge. They helped me deal with”
“Always Best Care is a very respected business in Herndon. It is always a”
“Scott was a huge help to the Nay family by helping us find an Assisted”
“My family and I were blessed to find Rashid and his wonderful team of caregivers! From the first day the emphasis was always on our father and how they could meet his needs and keep him comfortable. They took care of our dad as if he was a member of their family. The caring starts at the top with Rashid, who is amazing. He knew my father well and visited him often, always keeping us informed. He would be at the house to orient new care team members and introduce them to our father including weekends and shift change at 8 pm. When we could not be with our father, we knew he was in great hands. We were so fortunate to have found Rashid and his wonderful team of caring and empathetic caregivers, they were a blessing to us during a very difficult time.”
“I'm writing this review as a friend and sometimes caregiver of a person with dementia. She has received in-home services from Always Best Care for several years. Her home care aide, Brenda, helped my friend with things like organizing her files, paying bills, finding and keeping track of her things, canceling subscription items bought online and then not remembered, medication management, etc. She was kind, patient, and highly flexible. The company owner has also been wonderful to work with; kind, patient, flexible and responsive. I highly recommend ABC Senior Services!”
“Hi, Please know my Five Stars rating is very real & very honest! I reached out to Always Best Care S.S. (Fairfax County VA) & received the best customer service from Rashid after 11 exhausting calls. What I actually needed at that time they did not offer, but Rashid still proceeded to assist me. Rashid showed caring concerns and patience. Rashid even reached out on my behalf to others in his field of work as well provided me with further resources outside of his own practice! Not only did Rashid provide other resources, Rashid followed up with me the next day!! Mind you I missed the call/phone tag & Rashid still returned my call until we connected! That’s above beyond…. I was relieved of a lot of burden & false hope. The resources ended up being a huge success. So I want to highly recommend Contacting Always Best Care S.S. And have the pleasure I experienced with Rashid an awesome person, very professional top notch customer service for your needs. Rashid Farrell thank you for being you???? Octavia”
“My family has used Always Best Care for about five months now. We are grateful for the help and advice we have received. The home health aide sent to us has been outstanding and Scott Maguire has always been available for advice. We recommend ABC to anyone who needs its services.”
“Scott and his staff were excellent to work with. We quickly needed all night companions at the hospital and home for more than two months. Scott responded to our needs and provided some wonderful people. Highly recommend.”
“My mother required some post-surgical assistance as she was healing from a knee replacement procedure. Scott was very helpful in arranging a dependable and compassionate caregiver for the time which we needed the assistance. I could confidently attend to my work schedule knowing that my mother was receiving the help she needed for medication reminders, meal preparation, exercise prompts and having a supportive ear during the convalescence from Sue. I recommend Always Best Care Senior Services very highly.”
“Scott Maquire, owner is helpful and will work with you to develop a plan that works best for your situation. My mom loves here caregiver and I highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services for peace of mind,”
“I had caregivers for my elderly mother from Always Best Care for close to three years, and I would unreservedly do so again. It took a little bit to find providers who were right for my mother’s particular needs (besides becoming increasingly frail, she had severe anxiety), and for my schedule (my mother was living with me), but owner Scott Maguire was extremely accessible and responsive, and ultimately we established an arrangement that worked well. The caregivers were honest, reliable, caring, and responsive to my feedback, and communication via daily logs and in-person reporting ensured I was aware of anything I needed to know. I found the advantage of working with a small company whose owner I never had trouble reaching or getting to understand my needs a huge factor in what made this agency work for me.”
“Finding Always Best Care was a game changer for me and my mom (after trying several other companies). Scott was professional and responsive. He found the perfect companion for my mom (Kendall). She was reliable, flexible, thoughtful, kind and an excellent communicator. Within a short time, my mom began asking when that "nice Kendall" was coming again. I cannot recommend ABC Senior Services highly enough. I will always be grateful for their services.”
“Our experience with Always Best Care Senior Services of Herndon was positive. Excellent communication and billing was easy.”
“Our family was delighted to have found Always Best Care Senior Services, having been recommended by another senior care agency. They quickly responded with excellent experienced care givers who were terrific in caring for my father, giving him the attention he needed. The personal attention given by the owner was terrific. The nursing consultation was also appreciated. I highly recommend this agency.”
“With my wife bed bound and I the only caretaker, I was soon exhausted. Scott and Always Best Care came to my rescue by providing me with the help I needed to get through this ordeal. The young lady that came 7 hours a day was a Godsend to me. She was attentive and caring and made my wife's life so much better, no to mention my own. I would not have made it through without her. Scott dealt directly with the insurance people saving me from having to manage any record keeping and payment issues. That also relieves a lot of stress. I would strongly recommend Always Best Care to anyone in need of such services.”
“I am a past client of this provider My mother was in hospice care and needed help and companionship and I couldn’t be there 24/7. Always Best Care sent providers to be with her and I can’t say enough good things about them. They were compassionate and skilled, and always there when I needed them. I could relax knowing that my mom was in good hands.”
“Scott and his team provided excellent companion care for Mom as her dementia progressed. They ran errands with her, provided meals for her and Dad, and generally kept her engaged and entertained during the pandemic. Scott was a wealth of knowledge and always available to help us navigate the disease and it’s effects. I highly recommend him and his team!”
“I had the good fortune to work for Scott Maguire at ABC following my move from New Hampshire to Virginia. I was with the agency for eight years until last month when I moved to Florida. Scott always cared about his clients, and had a knack for matching them with compatible caregivers. He was always available for questions and concerns. I had opportunities to work for other agencies between clients, but chose to stick with Always Best Care, because the name of the agency says it all.”
“Anyone reading this is likely where my family was. Completely exhausted and desperate. My husband and I had been primary caregivers for my in-laws when one ended up with non-COVID pneumonia and the other had a stroke followed by a fall-- all since early January. Now vaccinated, they were ready for outside help and wanted it to start right away. We had been talking to an agency throughout the process that came highly recommended, Old Dominion. But they were not able to turn around an awesome caregiver in 72 hours and recommended I call one of their friendly competitors-- Scott- At Always Best Care Senior Services in Herndon. Scott understood that we were looking for stopgap care until Old Dominion could find someone permanent and after a call Friday afternoon, he had someone at my in-laws on Monday, 8:00am. And she was terrific. It makes all the difference to have such a positive experience from the beginning. My in-laws were very pleased and appreciated that Scott had been upfront that the caregiver he had available had a thick accent and that, combined with a mask, might be challenging for someone hearing impaired. This is an issue for my mother in law and it made all the difference that she knew in advance. The other thing I appreciated is that all of Scott's caregivers are vaccinated or on their way. The one he sent was getting her second shot later in her start week with us. Unfortunately, my father-in-law is going to need a stint in skilled rehab, so we won't be continuing with Scott's wonderful caregiver. But Scott stepped up to help provide some insiders perspective on facilities. There was nothing to gain from that, except putting goodness out into the world. The process is overwhelming and it made such a difference to get his perspective. We could not have been more pleased to have had such a terrific experience and highly recommend Always Best Care Senior Services if you or a loved one is looked for quality care.”
“Wow--my family has worked with a number of companies to assist us through the years in the Annandale area. This is the best. Scott Maguire--the owner is responsive, collaborative, and empathetic to unique questions and requirements. This is the company we will work with hereafter.”
“I couldn’t be happier with the care Scott and his team have provided my mother this past year. They’ve been very responsive and flexible to her changing needs. I would recommend this very well-run company to anyone seeking top-notch care for their loved one.”
“I can't say enough good things about Always Best Care. They have have been very flexible with providing services for my dad, and have a top-notch staff. We're extremely pleased!”
“They were able to find a suitable care-giver within a relatively short time frame”
“Scott Maguire at ABC was very helpful when I needed to find an assisted living facility for my mother. Later, when my mother's needs increased, ABC provided a very good companion for her. I recommend Scott and ABC without reservation.”
“I have worked with this company for many years as the leader in an assisted living community in the local Herndon neighborhood. I have found that the caregivers at "Always Best Care" were compassionate, caring and engaging with the the residents they served with our community. The management team at Always Best Care, in addition, were very responsive to any questions or concerns that we may have had and resolved issues immediately. The management team often visited their team members in the community ensuring that their employees were engaging with their clients and performing professionally in the "guest community". I would highly recommend this organization if you are looking for a team who can understand the needs of the senior as well as the needs of the family.”
“Always Best Care has provided a wealth of knowledge. They helped me deal with all the issues that appeared once my Mom got sick and could no longer take care of herself. Scott shared ideas and information. He was able to direct me to VA services I didn't realize my Mom was entitled. This money thanks to Scott has allowed my Mom to stay in her home and have services provided to her. I highly recommend Scott and his caring wonderful staff at Always Best Care.”
“Always Best Care is a very respected business in Herndon. It is always a pleasure to work with Scott and his team.”
“Scott was a huge help to the Nay family by helping us find an Assisted Living Home that suited my parent's budget and lifestyle. Scott identified our financial concerns and then went to work looking for a place for my parents. He found a great place closer to my home and my parents are thrilled with it and are able to bank money instead of wasting money at the place they were at before. Scott's referral service will always be remembered by the Nay Family”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Jones Point Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Ada's on the River or visit Captains Row Old Town Alexandria, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Alexandria, VA, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Alexandria, VA understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Alexandria, VA 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
A romance bookstore wrapped up its grand opening celebrations on Sunday morning in Alexandria, Virginia. But that night, a fire swept through, leaving behind a layer of soot on the carefully curated books and forcing the business to shutter.It’s not the only small business impacted by the flames. The bookstore is one of three women-owned businesses that operated under a shared storefront in Alexandria, Virginia.Little Birdies Boutique, Madame Coco Emporium and the Friends to Lovers had called the building home. Now, the b...
A romance bookstore wrapped up its grand opening celebrations on Sunday morning in Alexandria, Virginia. But that night, a fire swept through, leaving behind a layer of soot on the carefully curated books and forcing the business to shutter.
It’s not the only small business impacted by the flames. The bookstore is one of three women-owned businesses that operated under a shared storefront in Alexandria, Virginia.
Little Birdies Boutique, Madame Coco Emporium and the Friends to Lovers had called the building home. Now, the business owners have said the structure — which is located right off King Street, at 103 South Saint Asaph St. — is condemned.
“My intention here was to create a women-owned consortium of businesses, where people could come and support all of us in one building,” said Meshelle Armstrong, who owns Madame Coco’s. “So that this happened is just really devastating.”
On Tuesday, the women were able to go inside to size up the damage to their stores.
“Everything is with an inch of soot on it, and there’s really nothing salvageable,” said Shanlee Johnson, owner of Little Birdies.
All three were damaged by the smoke and water used to extinguish the flames, according to the Alexandria Fire Department. The fire came from inside the building and the Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating how it started.
Before the fire on Sunday, Friends to Lovers closed out its opening celebrations by passing out boxes of free macaroons to customers.
Business owner Jamie Fortin said she was reading a romance book in bed, about to go to sleep when she heard about the fire. She and her boyfriend “jumped up” to get to the store.
“They wouldn’t really let us in, much less that night, we were able to go up and just take a look in the dark,” she said on Tuesday. “But today’s the first day we really saw the damage.”
The store’s books are covered in soot, along with custom art Fortin had commissioned, including a piece of embroidery by a local artist.
“That was the hardest part, was the stuff that’s going to be harder to replace,” she said.
With paper being porous, she doesn’t want to sell the books damaged by smoke.
“We’re hoping to start fresh,” she said.
After a “successful” opening weekend, she said the bookstore sold a lot of inventory and is now looking for another space to do business.
“I had a few days where I just was sad and sat with my cat and drank wine and just could grieve a little bit,” Fortin said. “But I’m really excited to rebuild.”
Johnson said in a post on social media that Little Birdies’ merchandise — “much of it designed with love and care in-house — has been destroyed.”
“We’ve been a staple children’s boutique in the DMV for over 10 years,” Johnson told WTOP. This is really devastating. We’ve been just trying to regroup.”
Her business has been open since 2012, previously operating out of storefronts in Georgetown and Tysons Corner.
Armstrong, the chocolate shop’s owner, said she was “shaken” by the impact of the fire on Madame Coco and the neighboring businesses.
“These shops have been our partners, our friends, and a source of inspiration every single day,” she wrote on Instagram.
Mayor Justin Wilson called the fire “heartbreaking,” and said the city will work to help the business owners.
“I know small businesses can rarely shoulder any kind of shock, and this is certainly the most significant, not being able to to open for an extended period of time, and so we’ll see what we can do to assist,” Wilson said.
While the building is being repaired, all three businesses said they will look for ways to engage with customers, such as pop-up shops.
Those interested in helping Friends to Lovers can purchase books from bookshop.org or audiobooks from libro.fm — a portion of the proceeds will go to the Alexandria business.
You can donate on GoFundMe to Friends to Lovers or Little Birdies Boutique.
“Once I opened, I really feel like I kind of gave the store to the world,” Fortin said. “It’s not just mine anymore, and it feels like everyone’s really taking that responsibility seriously, and I’m really grateful for it.”
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Jessica Kronzer graduated from James Madison University in May 2021 after studying media and politics. She enjoys covering politics, advocacy and compelling human-interest stories.
ALEXANDRIA, VA — Three women-owned businesses were damaged in a fire Sunday night in Old Town Alexandria.The commercial building fire at 103 South Saint Asaph Street prompted a response from the Alexandria Fire Department around 10:57 p.m. Sunday. Units found smoke and a fire inside the building and quickly extinguished it. There were no injuries.According to the fire department, Friends to Lovers Bookstore, Little Birdies Boutique, and Madame Coco are co-located in the building. All three businesses had smoke and water d...
ALEXANDRIA, VA — Three women-owned businesses were damaged in a fire Sunday night in Old Town Alexandria.
The commercial building fire at 103 South Saint Asaph Street prompted a response from the Alexandria Fire Department around 10:57 p.m. Sunday. Units found smoke and a fire inside the building and quickly extinguished it. There were no injuries.
According to the fire department, Friends to Lovers Bookstore, Little Birdies Boutique, and Madame Coco are co-located in the building. All three businesses had smoke and water damage.
Friends to Lovers Bookstore had just held its grand opening that weekend. Owner Jamie Fortin told social media followers that the store had smoke damage and was awaiting details on the extent of damages. Fortin believes the building may not be usable for at least the rest of 2024 or longer. A GoFundMe was started to help rebuild inventory and open a new space.
"To myself and I think to a lot of us, Friends to Lovers isn't about the building," Fortin wrote. "We have already built the foundations for a beautiful, vibrant, and joyful community centered around love and friendship and storytelling and I'm so thrilled for everything we've accomplished so far and everything we'll accomplish in the future."
Children's clothing store Little Birdies Boutique's owner Shanlee Johnson said much of its merchandise designed in house was destroyed by the fire, and the building is likely not usable "for the foreseeable future." A GoFundMe fundraiser is underway to help the business.
"Since 2012, I have found so much joy bringing Little Birdies to life for your families, and we are determined to continue doing so," Johnson shared on social media.
Another shop, Madame Coco's Emporium, is owned by Stacey Wharam and Meshelle Armstrong. The business shared in social media that it was "shaken by the losses, not just of our own space, but of the incredible women-owned businesses that were also impacted."
"Though the damage is immense, our spirits remain rooted in hope and resilience," the business shared. "This is more than just a setback — it's a reminder of the strength and unity of our community. Together, we will rebuild."
Visit Del Ray encouraged residents to visit the owners' sister restaurants around Del Ray — Zuki Moon and Rosemont Cellar.
A total of 53 firefighters, including investigators, responded to the fire. The fire marshal's office is investigating the fire.
An appeal from Cameron Station residents and several businesses on a road diet for S. Pickett Street was denied by City Council. Patch StaffALEXANDRIA, VA — After hearing public testimony from residents on both sides, Alexandria City Council voted 4-3 to deny an appeal of the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board to implement a road diet on a West End route.The Traffic and Parking Board voted in July to ...
Patch Staff
ALEXANDRIA, VA — After hearing public testimony from residents on both sides, Alexandria City Council voted 4-3 to deny an appeal of the Alexandria Traffic and Parking Board to implement a road diet on a West End route.
The Traffic and Parking Board voted in July to introduce a road diet on South Pickett Street between Duke Street and Edsall Road. The approval came with a speed limit reduction from 35 mph to 25 mph. However, the appeal filed in August focused on the road diet, which will remove one travel lane in each direction except at the two major intersections. According to the city, the road diet will allow for a left turn lane addition, pedestrian crossing islands, and protected bike lanes. Up to 10 on-street parking spaces will be removed to provide lane transitions.
There were 461 Cameron Station residents and seven businesses that signed the petition to appeal the road diet decision. Sunny Pietrafesa, president of the Cameron Station Civic Association, told City Council there were concerns of the road diet creating worse congestion, prompting apps like Waze and Google maps to redirect drivers to nearby Cameron Station Boulevard. She said that the boulevard has an elementary school with children and parents crossing the road.
"Cameron Station is a walking community," said Pietrafesa. "We have people who use strollers, people who use bicycles, people who are just taking a nice walk, people are walking their dog, and we want to preserve this part of our community, because we think it's the way to go."
The civic association's letter to City Council also cited heavy car and tractor-trailer congestion, with trucks entering and exiting businesses. Instead of a road diet, Peitrafesa said the civic association supports the speed limit reduction, rumble strips to warn drivers about speed restrictions, crosswalks, wider sidewalks and speeding enforcement.
Bill Evanina, a Cameron Station resident, believes the road diet should be put on pause until the Landmark Mall redevelopment is complete. Evanina believes cut-through traffic from drivers exiting I-395 already affects S. Pickett Street.
It is unequivocal to think that coming eastbound on Pickett from Edsall [Road], that you're not going to make a right into Cameron Station with this traffic in a reduction of lanes immediately going to Boothe Park and immediately into one of our most populated elementary schools, is foolish to think," said Evanina.
Evanina said bicyclists looking for a safe place to ride can find one through Cameron Station Boulevard.
Other public speakers shared support for the road diet.
Asa Orrin-Brown, who runs a bike-based business on S. Pickett Street, said "it's terrifying to make left turns" on this section of the road. He believes car users will benefit the most from the lane reductions by making it easier to turn in and out of businesses.
Orrin-Brown spoke in support of the bike lanes for his teen daughter, who has a disability and will not ever be able to drive.
"Every time you guys do pass safe bike infrastructure, it gives me hope that she's going to be able to stay in this community and live here and have a happy life," said Orrin-Brown. "And every time it fails, I worry."
Dane Lauritzen of Alexandria Families for Safe Streets shared that the city has gaps that force bicyclists into traffic.
"We can address the congestion if we provide people these alternatives," said Lauritzen. "People do use them. We move people who are willing, who are able to consider if it's safe, to move into an alternative form of transportation. We can reduce the actual traffic, reduce the congestion on our roadways in a much more effective and useful way than if we simply try to build more lanes."
Lauritzen also supports traffic-calming measures to address potential cut-through traffic on Cameron Station Boulevard.
Nicole Radshaw with the Alexandria Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee explained that bicyclists look for safe shortcuts where gaps exist in bicyclist infrastructure. On S. Pickett Street, she says bicylists go through a hole in a fence, carry their bike up stairs, push it up a dirt hill and continue to a curb between a fence and wall. But her neighbor found that using sidewalk is the only option when riding an e-bike.
"I love the bike lanes, and it will make it safer for me to bike to Popeyes, Home Depot for supplies and the nail salon," said Radshaw. "I also consider the safety of others, not just myself. Drivers who are turning left...will only have to turn across one lane of traffic instead of two."
"I've only written on South Pickett Street once, and it was pretty unpleasant," said Zack DesJardins, another Alexandria Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee member. "People zoom past me at high speeds even though I can ride pretty fast. I wouldn't ride there with my toddler, unlike the newly upgraded bike lanes on King Street and Seminary Road."
Council members were split on the road diet appeal.
Councilmember Alyia Gaskins, the mayor-elect who lives in Cameron Station, said she and her family frequent the businesses around S. Pickett Street. Gaskins expressed concerns about ongoing points of conflict, such as trucks delivering loads, one lane being blocked at car dealerships as cars are unloaded, and a school bus needing to back out of a townhouse development.
"It worries me that we are still not addressing certain conflicts and safety issues," said Gaskins.
Gaskins and Vice Mayor Jackson also noted part of the opposition was from businesses.
"I probably would not want to be mitigating, lessening, taking away a road lane that would hinder our businesses that have come forth today as well as written us letters," said Jackson. "That's a huge concern. I'm not here to drive out our businesses from our city and move to Fairfax County, where there might be more land and more space on roadways."
Jackson said a better option is to lower the speed limit and add rumble strips and see if that helps safety before considering a road diet.
Councilmemer Canek Aguirre, who supports the road diet, said he went out to observe S. Pickett Street for several hours both during morning and evening rush hours.
"One of the big issues that came to me was school buses and kids being let out at stops that really just aren't safe," said Aguirre. "So by reducing the number of traffic lanes that they have to cross and creating the pedestrian islands and this pedestrian safety, I think is going to be a huge, huge improvement that honestly is long overdue."
Councilmember Sarah Bagley said speed limit reductions have resulted in slight reductions in travel speeds. But in some cases, the roads may be designed to accommodate higher speeds.
"While that can have a positive impact, it does not go far enough to be able to achieve the safe speeds that we're looking for here in the city," said Bagley. "It's not consistent with our Vision Zero action plan. It's really the infrastructure changes that drive the speed that people decide to drive, same reason people slow down in tunnels."
On the issue of e-bikes on the sidewalks, e-bikes can only be allowed on sidewalks if the electronic portion is turned off. But Bagley noted that the increasingly popular e-bikes tend to be heavy and hard to turn without the electronic function.
"What the pedestrians on that sidewalk would appreciate is that I would just stay in the street, and what I would appreciate as a rider of that device is to stay on my bike with the assist and keep moving because I carry my groceries on my bike," said Bagley.
Mayor Justin Wilson noted that the city has responded to concerns from Cameron Station and other residents in past years about Home Depot deliveries and extended tractor-trailer parking on the street. The mayor said there has "always been some tension" between the residential uses and businesses on S. Pickett Street, and the residential side has expanded in recent years.
The mayor backed the Traffic and Parking Board's decision, citing data that the road reconfiguration will improve traffic flow.
"Cars will move quicker through this corridor. That is what is inherent in the proposal. And you don't need to believe this proposal to understand that," said Wilson. "You need to look at the examples elsewhere in the city where we have done this successfully, and it has improved traffic flow. So I have to rely on not only the input that I've received from the public, but also the input that I've received from experts who look at this stuff every day and have analyzed this proposal and come up with a proposal that seeks to balance the interests of drivers and bikers and pedestrians to make this work."
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.Neighbor NewsYour Giving Tuesday Contribution Will Help Support Children's Programs Throughout The Year Jerilyn Woelfel, Community ContributorAssistance League of Northern Virginia has set an ambitious goal for its...
This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.
Jerilyn Woelfel, Community Contributor
Assistance League of Northern Virginia has set an ambitious goal for its Giving Tuesday campaign this year, driven by the urgent need in Northern Virginia. As the landscape of support shifts, families in the community need help now more than ever. Many are struggling to provide the essentials for their children, and Assistance League’s ability to assist them has also been challenged.
In Fairfax County, about 35% of students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. At the schools the nonprofit supports, more than 90% of students receive FREE meals. Through its Weekend Food For Kids program, Assistance League delivers 1,840 bags of food each month to 6 schools, so that students have food on weekends when they don’t receive school meals. This crucial initiative costs more than $9,000 each month and it’s helping only a small percentage of the students who need meals on weekends. Also, because hunger is a year-round condition for many families, Assistance League provides grocery gift cards over the summer, during holidays, and for emergencies, at a cost of more than $51,000 last year. In addition, the nonprofit provides new clothing, shoes, winter jackets, toiletries, and books, to address the basic needs of students, which costs more than $375 per child annually.
Assistance League has big aspirations and strives to reach even more students who are in need. Its resources are stretched relative to the unmet needs, but with community support, great strides can be made. This is where your generosity can shine. In addition to individual donations, Assistance League seeks generous supporters who will match donations from others. When you pledge any amount, large or small, you double the impact of your contribution and inspire others to join the mission. Your kindness uplifts not just you, but also the students and families who will benefit from your support.
Remember, Giving Tuesday is December 3, but you can make a difference at any time. Use this link: https://tiny.alnv.org/GiveTues to see examples of what your donation can do and to make your contribution. Or use this link to donate from ALNV’s website: Donate | Assistance League – Northern Virginia, where you can use PayPal, a debit or credit card, or send a check. Every contribution matters and every moment counts. Together, we can provide hope and encouragement to those who need it most.
Contact [email protected] if you’re interested in donor matching, and amplify your impact! Thank you for your support!
The power of local businesses and community volunteers working together to make an impact was on full display this weekend when Amazon sponsored the Food For Neighbors event to mobilize the community to help fill the food pantries in local schools. Through the Food For Neighbors Red Bag Program and generous food drives from eleven area businesses and other groups, the community collected and sorted over 28,800 pounds of donations bound for 47 local schools. 31 of these schools are in Fairfax County, where more than 1,560 households donated f...
The power of local businesses and community volunteers working together to make an impact was on full display this weekend when Amazon sponsored the Food For Neighbors event to mobilize the community to help fill the food pantries in local schools. Through the Food For Neighbors Red Bag Program and generous food drives from eleven area businesses and other groups, the community collected and sorted over 28,800 pounds of donations bound for 47 local schools. 31 of these schools are in Fairfax County, where more than 1,560 households donated food and toiletries and over 600 volunteers rolled up their sleeves in the Centreville, Falls Church, Fort Hunt, Herndon, South County, and Springfield areas to collect, sort, and deliver them.
“We’re proud to celebrate Amazon as a dedicated Community Champion and sponsor of our November Red Bag Event. Amazon’s continued partnership and generous donations have played a pivotal role in expanding our services into new communities,” said Karen Joseph, Founder and Executive Director of Food For Neighbors. “Their support has made a real difference for thousands of students facing food insecurity and has allowed us to provide much-needed, ongoing assistance. We’re incredibly grateful for their commitment to making a positive impact.”
Amazon volunteers helped to receive and sort food and toiletries at multiple locations, including two in Fairfax County. Working at Irving Middle School in Springfield was Melissa Robinson of Amazon Community Impact. She shared, "At Amazon, we want to be good neighbors. Food security is an issue that employees are passionate about supporting. We are proud to support the Food For Neighbors fall food event for the second year in a row. Food For Neighbors is meeting an immediate need, and Amazon is happy to partner on this great program."
Gonzalo de Dios was among other Amazon volunteers working in Springfield with Robinson. He noted, "We don't realize there are a lot of people who are hungry. A little effort goes a long way for people without means."
Despite Northern Virginia being among the most affluent areas in the state, over 1 in 3 students in Fairfax County were eligible for free or reduced-price school meals during the 2023-2024 school year. Food For Neighbors works to ensure that supplemental food is readily accessible to students during the school day and to take home over weekends and holidays.
To address this need, several other community businesses and organizations joined Amazon and local volunteers in service. Working at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Herndon were Sprouts, Social4Good, Young Men’s Service League’s (YMSL) Hunter Mill Chapter, and New Trail Cycling & Strength, which also began their efforts prior to the event by sponsoring a food drive with their members. For the Herndon and Reston area schools, Food For Neighbors also received generous food drives from FS-ISAC and Anytime Fitness’ Herndon and Chantilly gyms.
Liz Kamp, Founder of New Trail, expressed enthusiasm for supporting Food For Neighbors. "We have loved working with Food For Neighbors this fall! New Trail is more than a gym; we're a community of people who want to support each other and our neighbors,” said Kamp. “One of our quotes on the wall inside New Trail is 'We rise by lifting others,' and we try to embody that through action. Collecting food for Food For Neighbors has been a great way for us to come together for a common purpose."
Volunteers from Sprouts stores in Leesburg and Westminster chose to volunteer with Food For Neighbors as part of Sprouts Day of Service, an annual, nationwide effort. “We brought our kids to help with the food sorting, as it is a great way for them to learn how to serve and how to give back,” said Sprouts team member Nancy Potumuthu.
Social4Good also had a number of members participating in Herndon. Pam Soncini remarked, "Partnering to fight food insecurity has been an incredibly rewarding experience for Social4Good and our members. It's inspiring to see our community come together to support those in need, and I’m grateful to be part of an effort that brings hope and nourishment to others."
Additional businesses and organizations also supported the massive food collection by providing food drives to and/or volunteering as groups at Centreville High School, Luther Jackson Middle School, and Whitman Middle School. These included Cooley LLP, Kiwanis, IBM, ICF, National Charity League, Rocky Run Middle School, Salesforce, St. Aidan's Episcopal Day School, TCG, and YMSL.
"At TCG, we're committed to making a meaningful impact by actively addressing food insecurity in our communities,” shared Debbie Buchanan, FSO/Executive Assistant to the President of TCG, Inc., whose team helped at Whitman Middle School in Alexandria.
Christopher Kozusko, President of the Kiwanis Club of Tysons, which also had a team at Whitman, echoed Buchanan’s sentiments. "Dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time, the Kiwanis Club of Tysons appreciates this opportunity to help tackle teen food insecurity in Alexandria.” On February 1st, the Kiwanis will continue to make an impact through its Polar Dip fundraiser in support of Food For Neighbors and other nonprofits.
“I want our amazing volunteers and business partners to know that their contributions are making a profound impact. Thanks to their dedication and generosity, we’ve been able to reach far more students than we ever imagined when we started in 2016,” said Food For Neighbors Founder Karen Joseph. “Our partnerships with local businesses and organizations have been key in expanding our reach. School staff continue to share how the consistent food support is helping students attend school more regularly, stay focused in class, and improve their academic performance. Together, we are changing lives and giving these students opportunities to thrive.”
To learn more about Food For Neighbors and join more than 3,200 Red Bag donors and over 3,800 volunteers, visit https://www.foodforneighbors.org/get-involved/.
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