ON-Annandale to host Neighborhood Safety Day
The community is invited to Neighborhood Safety Day, a free event hosted by Opportunity Neighborhoods-Annandale, on Saturday, Sept. 10,
It’s at Ossian Hall Park, 7900 Heritage Drive, Annandale, 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
The local art group called Café will lead children in a project to repaint and beautify a cardboard house.
Related story: ‘Opportunity Neighborhoods’ formed in Annandale and Bailey’s Crossroads
Blue Sky Puppets will present a show on self-esteem. Other activities for kids include field games and a chance to sit in a police car and learn what it takes to become a police officer.
For parents, there will be workshops on domestic violence and gang prevention and a Q&A session with the commander of the Mason Police District, Capt. Shawn Adcock. There will also be information tables on Neighborhood Watch, mental health, gang prevention, how to become a police officer, and the difference between ICE and the police.
Opportunity Neighborhoods-Annandale is a Fairfax County program run by the FACETS nonprofit organization. ON-Annandale targets resources to two high-need neighborhoods – Fairmont Gardens and the apartment complexes along Americana Drive and Heritage Drive – based on residents’ biggest concerns.
FACETS facilitates an ON-Annandale Council made up of residents and three working groups that plan programs and activities for local families.
The Safety Working Group planned the Neighborhood Safety Day.
Related story: Residents of Annandale’s ‘opportunity neighborhoods’ work on action plans
The Apartment Issues Working Group partnered with the Legal Aid Justice Center to promote an information campaign about how to be more effective when making a maintenance request with a landlord. They are encouraging residents to call the center if their concerns are not addressed in a timely manner.
The Children’s Activities Working Group organized free weekly outdoor Zumba-type classes this summer at Ossian Hall Park, a free soccer camp, and free swimming classes at the Audrey Moore Rec Center.
ON-Annandale is also working on establishing a community center for residents of Fairmont Gardens.
