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
New resources available for invasive plant management
The Fairfax County Park Authority has launched an apprenticeship program to train new Invasive Management Area site leaders, enabling the IMA program to expand to more local parks across the county. Removing invasives leads to better stormwater management, more birds and other wildlife, an improved tree canopy, and better water filtration, says Whitney Redding, one … Continued
Speed reduction pilot in the works for Mason District roads
The Board of Supervisors on June 9 greenlighted an ordinance to reduce speed limits on certain roads in each magisterial district from 25 to 20 miles per hour. Fairfax County will launch a pilot study to test the concept in the Mason, Providence, and Dranesville Districts. The Fairfax Department of Transportation is considering the following … Continued
Local man to compete in international freediving event
Carlos Villamar, a 67-year-old patent attorney and inventor from Bailey’s Crossroads, is preparing to compete for an Ecuadorian national record at a pool freediving competition in Tampa Bay, Fla., in December. Villamar’s mission is more than a personal athletic challenge, he says. He has launched a crowdfunding campaign to cover both his basic costs, with … Continued
Supervisors approve expansion of the St. James Academy
The Board of Supervisors on June 9 approved a zoning special exception to allow a major expansion of the private school for elite student athletes at the St. James sports complex in Springfield. The St. James Performance Academy offers an online college preparatory educational program on-site starting with grade 5, along with athletic training, coaching, … Continued
Express bus planned for Leesburg Pike
While the Envision Route 7 project to bring a Bus Rapid Transit system to Leesburg Pike moves forward, an interim effort for an express bus could be implemented by the end of the year. The plan for the express was announced at an open house on Envision Route 7 hosted by the Northern Virginia Transportation … Continued
An art installation is aimed at sparking conversation
It can be difficult to have a meaningful conversation. And how much do you really know your partner or friend? How do you even start? A new public art installation at the Eileen Garnett Civic Space, at 7200 Columbia Pike in Annandale, is aimed at making it easier. The “Conversation Bench,” installed by Community … Continued
Firefighters respond to lawnmower fire
A fire that started in a lawnmower spread to the backyard deck of a home in the 5800 block of Glen Forest Drive in Bailey’s Crossroads on June 8, the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department reported on Facebook. All occupants exited the home before firefighters arrived at about 2:40 p.m. No one was injured. … Continued
Pride celebration is all about love, visibility, and community
By Julia Key Rainbow flags, bags, shirts, and shoes took over the Mosaic District in Merrifield for its fifth annual Pride Celebration on Saturday. Strawberry Park was filled with Lady Gaga and Dolly Parton music, as over a hundred people danced and cheered for Pride Month. Drag Queen Tara Hoot took to the stage to … Continued