The Bailey’s Shelter is under new management
Fairfax County has taken steps to improve the management of the Bailey’s Shelter since the county terminated its contract with New Hope Housing. “We are stabilizing staffing,” said Allyson Pearce with the Housing and Community Development Department’s Office to Prevent and End Homelessness (HCD OPEH). Related story: New Hope Housing contract terminated “New Hope Housing … Continued
The KORUS Festival is this weekend in Annandale
The community is invited to celebrate Korean-American culture at the KORUS Festival this weekend in Annandale. The event is at the K-Market parking lot on John Marr Drive on Saturday, Oct. 4, 11 a.m.-9 p.m., and Sunday, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. The festival features performances by Korean stars, the KORUS Got Talent contest, K-Pop dance, Asian … Continued
Residents complain about deteriorating conditions at the Bailey’s Shelter
The failure of New Hope Housing to adequately manage homeless shelters, including the one in Bailey’s Crossroads, has had a negative impact on clients, as well as staff. Shelter employees have complained about missing paychecks, suspended benefits, and shelters running out of supplies. Meanwhile, homeless people served by the shelter say conditions have deteriorated in … Continued
Music is the key to addiction recovery
Recovery Unplugged, a new addiction treatment center in Seven Corners, uses music as a catalyst to help people change their lives. The center offers holistic treatment for mental and behavioral health, as well as detox for addiction, said Riley Osborne, the company’s chief growth officer, at an open house on Sept. 30. Recovery Unplugged … Continued
A Venezuelan restaurant takes over the Blue Moon space in Annandale
Annandale’s newest restaurant features the food of Venezuela. Con Sazon Venezolano recently opened in a separate space inside the former Blue Moon restaurant, at 7201 Little River Turnpike. On Oct. 11, the date of its Grand Opening, Con Sazon Venezolano will take over the entire Blue Moon building. The party starts at 4 p.m. The … Continued
Learn about volunteer opportunities at a resource fair
Empty nesters, retirees, and young people often say they want to volunteer, but don’t know how to get started. The Venture into Volunteering Fair, this Sunday, Oct. 5, 12-4 p.m., at Springfield Town Center, will feature representatives from 41 agencies and nonprofits eager to talk about volunteer opportunities. There are openings for people of all … Continued
Asiantique visitors dress to impress
The latest Asiantique Market, on Sept. 28 in Annandale, drew a contingent of video game characters, along with the usual crowd of people attracted to the array of Asian food vendors. The festival hosted a cosplay costume contest, with the top prize, $300, awarded to “Princess Zelda” from Nintendo’s Legends of Zelda series. Amanda R. … Continued
School board supports an AAP Center at Poe
The Fairfax County School Board on Sept. 25 voted to move forward on a plan to establish an Advanced Academic Programs (AAP) Center at Poe Middle School in Annandale. A new AAP Center is needed because the Annandale High School pyramid is only one of two pyramids that doesn’t have an AAP Center in a … Continued
Restaurant Week locations announced
Fourteen restaurants in the Annandale/Mason area will participate in Mason District Restaurant Week Oct. 20-26. This year’s theme is “Eat Around the World.” Some of the restaurants have already announced specials for Restaurant Week; the others will be doing so soon. These restaurants are participating in Mason District Restaurant Week: Beanetics Coffee Roasters, Annandale. Bawadi … Continued
Donations sought for pet food pantry
When families face food insecurity, so do their pets. The Mason District Animal Welfare Advisory Alliance launched a pet food pantry to ensure vulnerable dogs and cats don’t go hungry. The group, formed by Mason Supervisor Andres Jimenez, has set up collection bins for wet and dry pet food at three locations: Related story: Mason … Continued
Report highlights pedestrian safety hotspots
The latest “near miss” report by Northern Virginia Families for Safe Streets (NoVA FSS) identifies Gallows Road at Woodburn Elementary School as one of the county’s most dangerous spots for pedestrians. The report is based on data submitted by the public highlighting places where pedestrians and cyclists just missed being struck by a vehicle. NoVA … Continued
Annandale is getting a new café
Dessert 39, a franchise company based in Korea, is coming to 7326A Little River Turnpike. The shop will open in the long-vacant storefront formerly occupied by the Manoa Bakery Café. According to a building permit application filed with Fairfax County, Dessert 39 is planning a $20,000 renovation of the space. Dessert 39 offers donuts, croissants, … Continued
Casino opponents dispute economic benefits
Now that another bill promoting a casino in Tysons will be introduced in the next General Assembly, opponents are gearing up again to fight it. Leaders of the opposition presented their arguments at an online presentation on Sept. 24. The legislation would authorize Fairfax County to hold a referendum on whether a casino and entertainment … Continued
Survey seeks input on school start times
As part of Fairfax County Public Schools’ effort to implement a later start for middle schools, community members are asked to indicate their preference for one of two proposed options. The goal is to shift the start of middle schools to after 8 a.m. Research shows students who have more time to sleep do better … Continued
First-ever Mason Art Festival comes to Annandale
By James Albright, chair of the Mason District Arts Advisor Council In a season busy with festivals here in Annandale, a new event has come to town. For the first time ever, artists, performers, and art-lovers in Mason District will have their own festival. We hope it will be the first of many to come. … Continued