Local student named AAA Safety Patroller of the Year
Will Kinne, a sixth grader at Canterbury Woods Elementary School in Annandale, was named Safety Patroller of the Year by the branch of the American Automobile Association representing the D.C. region. Will is known for his calm demeanor, his ability to think quickly on his feet, and stay focused despite distractions from his peers, Fairfax … Continued
Bren Mar Park ES community excluded from FCPS boundary discussions
For the third time in the past few months, Fairfax County Public Schools hosted a meeting on school boundary changes affecting Bren Mar Park Elementary School, and the Bren Mar Park community wasn’t given a real chance to participate. FCPS is considering moving Bren Mar Park students to Key Middle School and Lewis High School, … Continued
Virginia adopts assault weapons ban
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a package of legislation on June 16 aimed at preventing gun violence, including a ban on assault weapons. Surrounded by law enforcement officers, lawmakers, students, healthcare workers, and families impacted by gun violence, Spanberger said the commonsense gun legislation “will keep our families, communities, and law enforcement safe.” The legislation … Continued
State leaders announce a compromise on a retail weed market
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger and General Assembly leaders approved an agreement to establish a cannabis retail market that would open on July 1, 2027. The compromise would be implemented through the budget process. It comes after Spanberger vetoed legislation passed by the General Assembly that would have allowed sales to start on Jan. 1, 2027. … Continued
Above the beltway, protestors call for fair elections
By Julia Key If you drove on the beltway under the pedestrian bridge in Annandale near the Audrey Moore Rec Center on Sunday afternoon, you would have seen American flags and signs calling for free and fair elections. This event, organized by local chapters of Indivisible and members of the Accotink Unitarian Universalist Church, was … Continued
New restaurants coming to Bailey’s Crossroads
Several new dining options are in the works for Bailey’s Crossroads. The Nile Restaurant is slated to open Monday, June 22, at 5624 Columbia Pike. Gamal Elhadi, the owner, plans to offer kebabs, grilled chicken, fried fish, salads, and Mediterranean specialties. Elhadi has been the manager at Duccini’s Pizzeria next door for the past 10 … Continued
Mason Arts 250 invites the public to a free theatrical event
By James Albright, chair of the Mason District Arts Council Our community’s busy celebration of the nation’s founding continues Saturday, June 20, with “Passages: One-Act Plays and Oratorio.” The program begins at 2 p.m. at the Pozez Jewish Community Center at 8900 Little River Turnpike just west of Annandale. Sponsored by the Mason District Arts … Continued
Underdog café opens in Bailey’s Crossroads
The recently opened Underdog Coffee and Bread in Bailey’s Crossroads is three times as large as the first one in Annandale. The new Underdog is located at 3511 Carlin Springs Road, next to REI. It has the same menu as the café at 7109 Columbia Pike, although eventually each location will have unique coffee drinks, … Continued
Penny Gross: Summer concert cutbacks are ‘heartbreaking’
Former Mason District Supervisor Penny Gross, the driving force behind the creation of the Spotlight by Starlight outdoor summer entertainment series, says it’s a “great disappointment” that the Fairfax County Park Authority has significantly cut back the number concerts this year. There will only be eight Spotlight by Starlight concerts at Mason District Park this … Continued
A Mason Arts concert celebrates America’s 250th anniversary
By Julia Key The hum of violins and the booming of a euphonium could be heard alongside powerful poetry at the Mason District Arts Council’s community celebration of America’s 250th anniversary. Founded in 2024, the Mason District Arts Council is a volunteer-based organization that aims to celebrate the multicultural community by organizing visual and performing … Continued
Flag display honors community members’ heroes
In commemoration of the nation’s 250th birthday, the Annandale Rotary Club’s Flags for Our Heroes program placed 250 American flags at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space and American Legion Post 1976. Community members were given an opportunity to sponsor a flag in honor of one of their heroes, such as a veteran, family member, or … Continued
General Assembly to consider comprehensive study on data centers
As the June 30 budget deadline nears, the Virginia House of Delegates and Senate are still unable to agree on tax breaks for data centers. The House Appropriations Committee announced a budget conference proposal on June 12 that doesn’t require data centers to meet environmental standards to be exempted from the state’s 5.3 percent sales … Continued
Viewpoint: What will become of Lake Accotink?
By Paul Gilbert One of Fairfax County’s most beloved parks is at a crossroads – and Fairfax County wants your input. Lake Accotink draws 250,000 visitors a year. Along with Burke Lake and Lake Fairfax, it is one of three lakefront parks that serve as the anchor attractions of the Park Authority system. Think of … Continued
Softball fields at Wakefield Park improved
The softball fields at Wakefield Park have been upgraded, the Fairfax County Park Authority announced on June 11. The improvements include renovated playing surfaces and amenities, upgraded LED lighting, new dugouts, new fencing, new batting cages, and new picnic tables and bleachers. Field 8 has been converted into a state-of-the-art synthetic turf surface. Wakefield Park … Continued
Fairfax County activates heat plan
Fairfax County has activated its Heat Plan for today, June 12, in response to the National Weather Service heat advisory in effect from 11 a.m to 8 p.m. When Fairfax County’s heat plan is activated, cooling centers will be available during normal operating hours for individuals who need relief from the heat. Cooling centers in the Annandale/Mason District area: The cooling centers … Continued